Western Civilization Sources Images and Interpretations Volume 1 To 1700

This collection of primary, secondary, and visual sources for the Western Civilization survey course provides a broad introduction to the materials historians use, the interpretations historians make, and thousands of years of Western civilization. Its broad selection of documents, photographs, maps, and charts, and its full array of accompanying commentaries–drawn from a balanced spectrum of perspectives and approaches–offer valuable insight into the work of historians and provide the context that helps students understand the texts’ full historical significance.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Thorough, Generous, Beautifully Illustrated
This book is unique in its balance of primary sources and their interpretations. All the figures you’d expect are present: Macchiavelli, Luther, Locke, Paine, Engles, Freud, etc. And with secondary sources coming from Fromm, Ulam, et. al, the data is clearly and comprehensively analyzed. What readers will appreciate are the generous illustrations throughout the text which give you some idea how the philosophies/theories/values of the times are reflected in visual media. What some readers won’t appreaciate is the single-spaced type that changes font and styles so often that one might get motion sickness. It’s a minor point that has nothing to do with the value of the texts presented, but it does interfere with the pleasure of reading. Still, this is a great history book to teach from or just as a casual read/refresher for the history fan.

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