Humanities Handbook

by Bruce S. Thornton

This dictionary of key terms and concepts provides the fundamental historical, philosophical, and critical vocabulary necessary for a complete understanding of the humanities—the great works of art, literature, history, philosophy, and music of the Western tradition. Its clearly written definitions offer users a background and introduction of ideas for what may have been previously unfamiliar terms. Containing only the basics, this handy resource is uncluttered by obscure, overly technical, or professionally specific terms. For individuals looking for “a read” to facilitate their other reading, and who no longer need to ask—or proclaim—what they do not understand. d.

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Bruce S. Thornton grew up on a cattle ranch in Fresno County, California. He received his B.A. in Latin from UCLA in 1975, and his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature: Greek, Latin, and English, from UCLA in 1983.

Thornton is currently Professor of Classics and Humanities at the California State University in Fresno, California. He is the author of eight books and numerous essays and reviews on Greek culture and civilization and their influence on Western civilization. He also has written on contemporary political and educational issues, as well as lecturing at venues such as the Smithsonian Institute, Hoover Institution and the Air Force Academy, as well as numerous colleges and universities.

He was a 2009-2011 Glenn Campbell and Rita Ricardo-Campbell National Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, where he currently is a research fellow.