Western Civilization: A Brief History : Volume II: Since 1300

By Jackson J. Spielvogel

Book Overview

Put the world today into context by learning about the past through this brief, best-selling Western Civilization text that has helped thousands of students succeed in the course. Jack Spielvogel's engaging style of writing weaves the political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, cultural, and military aspects of history into a gripping story that is as memorable as it is instructive. You will also be exposed to primary source documents actual historical documents that are the foundation for the historical analysis you read in the chapter. These documents include letters, poems, and songs through history-documents that actually enliven the past. Throughout the book there are also helpful tools to help you digest the reading including outlines, chronologies, numerous maps and key terms with definitions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0534560776
• ISBN13: 9780534560775
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Wadsworth Pub Co
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.5" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Thanks!!

I got the book in a very timely manner, and the book was just as you described it! Thanks!

Good History book that is exciting.

Unlike most history texts, Spielvogel has been able to capture the key events and ideas of European civilization from 1300 and on. The book is well written and gives the reader good primary documents that relate to the reading. One problem is that the book doesn't give a good sense of chronology.

good book

this is a good introductory book for western civilization. if u r new to the field of western civilization, then read this book before any more advanced or complicated books...

Western Civilization: A Brief History

I used Spielvogel's _Western Civilization: A Brief History_ when teaching a Humanities I course. _A Brief History_ is a shorter, paperback adaptation of Spielvogel's longer _Western Civilization_. Of the Western Civ texts I've used before (including the longer version of Spielvogel, I thought _A Brief History_ was the most successful. Spielvogel did a good job of choosing the most important historical events and cultural developments to include in his shorter version, at least those most likely to be included in a Western Civ course. Important information is clear both from subheadings and from the text itself, and short samples of primary texts that give students a taste of the past are included. Students also seemed to enjoy reading the _Brief History_ more other Western Civ texts I've taught. Women's history is well-represented. Only caveat: Because the text is a shorter version, not much of Asian, African, or Indian history is included.