A Brief History of the Western World

by Thomas H. Greer, Gavin Lewis

This text, which pioneered the brief format for this subject, provides a comprehensive view of the development of Western civilization in half the pages of other texts on this subject. Not simply an abridgement of a longer book, this text offers students in survey courses a concise, lucid narrative. Broad coverage of political, social, cultural, and religious themes gives instructors the flexibility to tailor their instruction, and to assign supplementary materials as desired.

Genres: History, Reference, Nonfiction

816 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Thomas Greer earned his A.B. (1935), M.A. (1936), and Ph.D. (1938) from the University of California. He came to Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in 1947, as an assistant professor of History and Civilization (1947-1951). He became an Associate Professor of Humanities in 1951 and a full Professor of Humanities in 1956. Greer also served as chairman of the Department of Humanities from 1963-1968. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award, 1960. He authored many books, including American Social Reform Movements: Their Pattern since 1865 and The Development of the American Doctrine of Air Power, as well as a biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Greer retired in 1977 as Professor Emeritus of Humanities. He died in 2004.

Reviews

[JR Snow]

As these kinds of textbooks go, this one isn't bad. Greer seems to be a moderate liberal who believes in western civilization and the importance of integrating different humanities subjects together in one book. Typically, books like this are either strong in political histroy, social history, or intellectual history. Greer does a good job balancing all three, while also surveying important movements in literature, painting, and architecture–in almost every chapter.

I especially like that the narrative does not shortchange the Medieval period, or take a hostile view towards the church or religion.

Also, at about 650–730 pages (depending on the edition, I have the 7th and 9th editions), it is easy to assign as a "spine" textbook in a history or western civ. class while also having homework "space" to assign primary sources, writing, articles, or research.

The modern textbook industry is a cesspool when it comes to the humanities these days, but this might be an exception. Other solid choices are the brand-new "The Golden Thread" by James Hankins and Allan Guelzo, "The Western Heritage" by Kagan and Ozment, and perhaps some early editions of Thomas F.X. Noble's textbook.

[Ryan]

Best book ever written about how "all" the dots are connected, from the birth of civilization to our modern time...

[Corey]

Read this for a history class in college.

[Jayne Kelly]

Brilliantly concise.