Ways of the World: A Global History with Sources, Volume 1: To 1500

by Robert W. Strayer

Ways of the A Brief Global History with Sources is a docutext combining a brief narrative with written and visual primary source collections, providing the convenience of a text and reader in one volume. Ways of the World is thoroughly global in its thematic and comparative approach. The brief narrative highlights major developments, giving students and instructors the room to explore the primary sources fully. Students can connect with Strayer’s distinctive voice and clear, powerful writing. A thoughtful prologue and part-opening essays emphasize the book’s “big picture” approach, and each chapter narrative ends with “Reflections,” a consideration of history and the human enterprise it explores.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Textbooks

720 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2010

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the text used for my world history class. It was highly readable and practical to use for my essay assignments. I found myself easily becoming absorbed and truly enjoyed researching and analysing the included documents at the end of each chapter. I never would have believed I could enjoy studying history so much!

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My major criticism of this survey of world history to the 1500's is that they left out of a lot of information in favor of a more general look at topics such as patriarchy, pastoralism, etc. These are important topics that should be talked about but I wished that they didn't leave out other information as a result. Some people will like the thematic focus, but again the thematic focus resulted in the exclusion of a lot of information which hindered my ability to contextualize events.

[Chris Clevenger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Leaves out a lot of important information and events in favor of more topics for SJW. I think some of that is important to know but truly is lacking in depth. Also caught quite a few inaccuracies. One of the most glaring was saying Jesus was just a teacher and a prophet, it was his followers that claimed he was the Son of God. This is just untrue.

[Sekou · Rating 1 out of 5]

As someone who loves history I despise the way it is taught. Always focusing on the what and not the why, the results but not the causes, trying to fit nuanced and complex events into a biased narrative, focusing way way too much on Europe for a "Global" history book.

[Evan King · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is lowkey entertaining

[Herodotus · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful, agenda driven revisionist drivel. Author Robert Strayer attempts to re-write history, specifically European history, by shifting the credit for Europe's global influence and accomplishments to the Islamic world. Again, drivel.

Each civilization, whether European, Asian, Arabic, African and Meso-American has made great contributions to our world both past and present. To assert otherwise proves there is a dark and sinister reason behind it.

As a teacher I turn away from neo-histories and political correct teachings to broaden the cerebral horizons of my students with accurate resources and facts. Anyone who would do otherwise is a shame to our profession.

Strayer needs to refrain from writing history. I think he would be of more service to students and the public in general, by driving a garbage truck.

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for: General knowledge and the basics of history.

Bad for: Lack of detail and its fairly boring.

[Antoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

very simplistic/thematic, won't bog you down with tons of facts

[David Horney · Rating 4 out of 5]

very readable for a textbook.

[Jennifer Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another text book. I pulled a C in this class. The book did it's job. I could have worked harder for a better grade.