This engaging text offers a brief, readable description of our common Western heritage as it began in the first human societies and developed in ancient Greece and Rome, then through the Middle Ages. Providing a tightly focused narrative and interpretive structure, Brian Pavlac covers the basic historical information that all educated adults should know. His joined terms 'supremacies and diversities' develop major themes of conflict and creativity throughout history. 'Supremacies' centers on the use of power to dominate societies, ranging from warfare to ideologies. Supremacy, Pavlac shows, seeks stability, order, and incorporation. 'Diversities' encompasses the creative impulse that produces new ideas, as well as efforts of groups of people to define themselves as 'different.' Diversity creates change, opportunity, and individuality. These concepts of historical tension and change, whether applied to political, economic, technological, social, or cultural trends, offer a cohesive explanatory organization. The text is also informed by five other topical themes: technological innovation, migration and conquest, political and economic decision-making, church and state, and disputes about the meaning of life. Throughout, judicious 'basic principles' present summaries of historical realities. Written with flair, this easily accessible yet deeply knowledgeable text provides all the essentials for a course on Western civilization. More information, study guides, and links to sources can be found on the book's website, www.concisewesternciv.com.

This engaging text offers a brief, readable description of our common Western heritage heritage after Europe expanded into the rest of the world during the Renaissance, then through revolutions that have created today's technological global society. Providing a tightly focused narrative and interpretive structure, Brian Pavlac covers the basic historical information that all educated adults should know. His joined terms 'supremacies and diversities' develop major themes of conflict and creativity throughout history. 'Supremacies' centers on the use of power to dominate societies, ranging from warfare to ideologies. Supremacy, Pavlac shows, seeks stability, order, and incorporation. 'Diversities' encompasses the creative impulse that produces new ideas, as well as efforts of groups of people to define themselves as 'different.' Diversity creates change, opportunity, and individuality. These concepts of historical tension and change, whether applied to political, economic, technological, social, or cultural trends, offer a cohesive explanatory organization. The text is also informed by five other topical themes: technological innovation, migration and conquest, political and economic decision-making, church and state, and disputes about the meaning of life. Throughout, judicious 'basic principles' present summaries of historical realities. Written with flair, this easily accessible yet deeply knowledgeable text provides all the essentials for a course on Western civilization. More information, study guides, and links to sources can be found on the book's website, www.concisewesternciv.com.

Product Description: This translation of the Gesta Alberonis provides an exciting record of a remarkable prelate and of the tumultuous age in which he lived.

Product Description: Beginning with approximately 100 core essays from Salem's acclaimed Chronology of European History (1997) and Great Events from History: North American Series (1997), Great Events from History: Ancient and Medieval Series (1972), and Great Events from History: Modern European Series (1973), this set adds more than 220 new essays for a set that is 70 percent new...read more

Product Description: The Middle Ages covers the period between the fall of Rome (476) and 1453 (the year in which several important developments - notably the proliferation of documents issuing from the newly invented printing press, the end of the Hundred Years' War, and the fall of Constantinople)...read more

Product Description: Beginning with approximately 100 core essays from Salem's acclaimed Chronology of European History (1997) and Great Events from History: North American Series (1997), Great Events from History: Ancient and Medieval Series (1972), and Great Events from History: Modern European Series (1973), this set adds more than 220 new essays for a set that is 70 percent new...read more