Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics & Society

By Marvin Perry, Joseph R. Peden, Theodore H. Von Laue, et al.

Book Overview

This survey text presents the Western intellectual tradition within a chronology of political history. Known for its accessible writing style, Western Civilization appeals to students and instructors alike for its brevity, clarity, and careful selection of content. New technology resources, including Houghton Mifflin's Eduspace course management system, make learning more engaging and instruction more efficient.In the Eighth Edition, several new pedagogical features support students throughout the term. Chapter-opening focus questions direct students to important themes, while a glossary reinforces key terms and concepts. New icons in the text direct students to online resources such as maps, primary sources, and practice test questions. In addition, the new edition retains many popular features, including comparative timelines, full-color maps with physical geography essays, and primary source excerpts.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395369355
• ISBN13: 9780395369357
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin School
• Weight: 3.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Great sources, even for non-history buffs....

I'm much more of a chemistry person than anything, and personally I think history is just naturally yawn-inducing. I hate it when when textbooks' prefaces say, "Yeah, students pull me aside after class and tell me how much they enjoy reading the textbook..." which is usually a load of balderdash, because those same textbooks tend to make me drift off to dreamland about much more stimulating pleasures in life, like hot sauce and ice cream. I can honestly say, however, that some of these sources, particularly the 20th century ones, are interesting even for scientists. You really feel pulled into the time period, and can feel the pomposity of Benito Mussolini, the plight of the POWs, the horrors of the gulags... and so much more, all first hand, like you're sitting invisible watching the events happen with your own eyes, just with no danger factor. I got an A in my college western civs class without reading Spielvogel at all. I just read the sources in this book. I know I am forever changed since I was drawn into the pages... Newton's essays were pretty cool. He wrote like a genius, obviously.

Excellent source

This is an excellent collection of primary sources. I use it in some of my courses.

Good Book

ITs a good book, older edition, but most if not all the same info as in the latest edition

Western Tradition

the book itself is good - if you are looking for the next edition because of a requirement for class, this book isn't too far off. Page numbers are a bit different and there are a FEW selections that are not in this edition that are in the next one. But you will survive the class.