Western Civilization, Volume II: Since 1500

by Jackson J. Spielvogel

Best-selling book WESTERN CIVILIZATION has helped over one million users learn about the present by exploring the past. Jackson 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. The clear narrative of a single gifted author makes it easy to follow the story of Western civilization.

Genres: History, Historical, Education, Nonfiction

688 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 It's like reading a dry, outdated scholarly essay with very little to break up the monotony.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]

M