World Civilizations

by Philip J. Adler, Randall L. Pouwels

Bringing more than 50 years of combined teaching experience and expertise into WORLD CIVILIZATIONS, Philip J. Adler and Randall L. Pouwels present an accessible, comprehensive, and balanced global overview of the world's major civilizations from the ancient world to modern times. Well more than half of the content focuses on the world outside of Europe. As one of the most graphic and pedagogically driven books in the market, the text appeals to students and professors alike. Hundreds of illustrations, maps, and documents, overviews, self-tests, and additional rich pedagogical features make the history of world civilizations easier for students to study and understand. Fifty-six concise chapters make content manageable for students while giving instructors the flexibility to present the material in any way they choose. Available in the following split WORLD CIVILIZATIONS, FOURTH EDITION (Chapters 1-56), 0534599338; WORLD CIVILIZATIONS, VOLUME TO 1700, FOURTH EDITION (Chapters 1-30), 0534599346; WORLD CIVILIZATIONS, VOLUME SINCE 1500, FOURTH EDITION (Chapters 23-56), 0534599354.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

747 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tackled this volume whilst sidelined by injury. This is the 3rd edition; I believe it's up to 6th revision still being actively read years after Mr. Adler's passing. Of note, this book covers to 1600. Newer history, I presume, is covered in volume 2.

My favorite and most interesting: ancient history and the rise of Rome as a world power. Beautiful art and architecture of Renaissance Europe also get a strong plus from me.

Much time/attention is spent on Japan, India, China, Africa, Latin America which makes this scope of world history very wide. But alas I found these chapters the dullest. Studies of these societies has been neglected far too long, so kudos to Mr. Adler to address these regions. Some of the sidebar talks are quite interesting. Photography is excellent. And the timeline/significant events that mark each chapter are excellent.

Truly, this is a history textbook which dives into sociology across time and cultures: it doesn't merely cover the what; it speculates on the why.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

My textbook for my college history course.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say, it's a text book. It won't win any awards for the writing.

[Sss Book]

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