A Short History of Civilization

By Lynn Thorndike

"A Short History of Civilization" is a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the trajectory of human development from prehistoric times to the modern era. Written by the distinguished historian Lynn Thorndike, this work provides a sweeping overview of the social, intellectual, and cultural forces that have shaped humanity across the globe. Thorndike meticulously traces the rise and fall of great empires, the evolution of artistic and scientific thought, and the persistent quest for knowledge that defines various epochs.

The narrative balances the political and military aspects of history with a deep focus on the achievements of thought and culture, offering a holistic view of how civilizations interact and influence one another. From the foundations of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt through the classical achievements of Greece and Rome, and into the transformative periods of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the text illuminates the continuity of human experience. This work serves as an essential guide for readers seeking to understand the foundational pillars of contemporary society and the complex legacy of our shared past. With its lucid prose and broad scope, "A Short History of Civilization" remains a significant contribution to the study of world history and the collective progress of mankind.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025486781
• ISBN13: 9781025486789
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 698 Pages
• Weight: 2.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"