The West: Culture and Ideas

by A. Daniel Frankforter

This book interprets Western civilization broadly—continuing to discuss the Middle East beyond the confines of the ancient period. The chronologically organized narrative integrates political, social, economic, and intellectual history. It broadens readers' perspective on the American experience in context with the rest of the world, and helps them discover bridges to other cultures and develop sympathy with their struggles. KEY TOPICS Chapter topics cover The archaic states of the Bronze Age, The Iron Age, Aegean civilization, the Hellenistic era and the rise of Rome, Rome's empire and the unification of the Western world, the West's medieval civilization, the emergence of Europe, Europe's High Middle Ages, Renaissance and exploration, Europe's scientific revolution, American independence and the French Revolution, the Age of Ideology in Western Europe—1815-1848, Europe and the World—1870-1914, World War I, the Troubled Inter-War Years—1919-1939, World War II, the Cold War and bipolarism, and the end of empires. For an understanding of the processes that formed the Western way of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Paperback

First published November 6, 2003

Reviews

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The textbook for my Turning Points of World History class. Reliable, broad, a bit expensive. Some helpful educational features (especially the key questions), but the heavy promotion of the associated website (requiring paid subscription) is irritating.