Western Civilization: Volume II: Since 1500

by Jackson J. Spielvogel

This is Volume II (chapters 13-29) of the best-selling Western civilization text that has helped hundreds of thousands of students learn about the present by exploring the past. Jack Spielvogel's engaging, chronological narrative 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. Each chapter offers a substantial introduction and conclusion that sparks students' imaginations by giving them a context within which to understand these disparate themes. And while the single-author narrative makes it easy for students to follow the story of Western civilization, Spielvogel has included dozens of maps and primary sources--including official documents, poems, and songs--that enliven the past while introducing students to the challenges involved in interpreting history. Available in many split WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Comprehensive, Fifth Edition (Chapters 1-29), 0534600069; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume I, To 1715, Fifth Edition (Chapters 1-16), 0534600077; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume II, Since 1550, Fifth Edition (Chapters 13-29), 0534600085; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume To 1500, Fifth Edition (Chapters 1-12), 0534529496; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume 1300-1815, Fifth Edition (Chapters 11-19), 053452950X; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume Since 1789, Fifth Edition (Chapters 19-29), 0534529526; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Since 1300, Fifth Edition (Chapters 11-29), 0534

Genres: History, Historical, Education, Nonfiction

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This textbook is very abbreviated, and I felt that I had to do a lot of supplemental reading and research in order to fully grasp the point.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best history course I've done. Very unbiased and pulls in helpful primary sources for all types of readers. It makes history into a narrative that calls the student to action.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this textbook gives a good overview of important periods in History (from the 1700s up until present day), it certainly makes no effort to be engaging to readers. It's like reading a dry, outdated scholarly essay with very little to break up the monotony. And my History professor made us read the entire thing, cover to cover. Ugh. At least it can count toward my Goodreads list of Books Read in 2014!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this during my years in college and it definitely was helpful. It provides a healthy overview of western civilization history after 1500. Of course this book does not go in depth, but that's because it is a textbook, mainly used for freshman college students. It's a great reference and starting off point.

[Majo]

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