History of Western Civilization: A Handbook

By William H. McNeill

Book Overview

A compact yet thorough one-volume narrative of the entire history of the development of Western civilization

With this book, renowned historian William H. McNeil provides a brilliant narrative chronology of the development of Western civilization, representing its sociopolitical as well as cultural aspects. Sweeping in its coverage but careful in its attention to detail, and up to date with the latest scholarship History of Western Civlization is the perfect introduction to the subject for general readers and students alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226561607
• ISBN13: 9780226561608
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 704 Pages
• Weight: 2.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great introduction to History

I got this book for a college course that I am taking. I find it a great read and although it is by no means exhaustive (how could it be????) it opens up the world of history and provides relevant bibliographies for those of us who want to learn more.

One of My All-Time Favorites

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I consider it in the top one percent of all books I have ever read. The sheer scope of this work makes me almost gasp with incredulity and amazement. To think that one man could have accomplished this is mind boggling. This is the eighth wonder of the world. From prehistory and until the late 1980s, this book covers politics, economics, science, and arts. McNeill's generalizations are wonderfully and cogently supported by facts at just the right places in the narrative. To produce a handbook of this scope that is also so pleasant to read is an incomparable achievement.