Western Civilization: A Social and Cultural History, Volume A: To 1500

This book explains the importance of understanding Western civilization, with a distinct focus on political, social, economic, cultural, religious, and intellectual topics. It stresses social and cultural themes in conjunction with the political narrative, and incorporates significant discussion of peoples and civilizations outside the boundaries of the West. Written by a single author, this historical reference contains rich visual images, textual excerpts, timelines, charts, and maps. The volume covering life up to the 1500s explores gender roles, family and children, elite groups, urban/rural contrasts, cities and associations, commerce and manufacturing, and technological innovation. Global issues are easily introduced without straying from the comfort of a western civilization focus. Brief excerpts from diaries, letters, and other personal documents offer readers a sense of peoples' experience during specific times in history. For anyone who does not know why we should know about Western civilization, and historians interested in a social, topical approach with a global perspective.