A comprehensive yet concise introduction to Western Civilization, designed to interest and engage contemporary students Western Civilization: A Brief History is a concise one-volume survey that covers the subject's ancient origins through to the early 21st century. Stressing social and intellectual history, rather than merely listing names and dates, this stimulating resource offers a more consistent and reader-friendly narrative than traditional textbooks. The author, with 40 years' experience teaching college-level Western Civilization and World History courses, emphasizes topics that stimulate student interest and encourage classroom participation. A mixture of Judeo-Christian, Greco-Roman, Germanic traditions, Western Civilization first appeared in Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. The text explores key events, figures, themes, and characteristics in the history of Western Civilization. Grouped into six parts, chapters include brief chronologies of events, maps, and illustrations. Topics include Europe in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, the rise of medieval Christianity, Darwin and the Theory of Evolution, the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, the World Wars of the 20th century, the Cold War, and many others. Written with the needs of today's students in mind, this textbook: Offers accessible and straightforward coverage of the history of Western Civilization Provides a consistent style of writing and organizational theme Includes chronological overviews of ancient Greece, Rome, and the Near East Western Civilization: A Brief History is an ideal introductory textbook for both traditional and non-traditional programs and Western Civilization courses at universities and colleges, as well as for those in dual enrollment and home school settings.

Provides an engaging narrative account of modern European history, featuring new chapters on modern Europe and the post-Cold War world Twentieth-Century Europe: 1900 to the Present provides a concise and accessible review of the significant themes and major events that shaped European history from the beginning of the twentieth century. This student-friendly textbook places Europe in a global context as it explores key themes such as the slow unraveling of European colonial and political power throughout the world, the emergence of the United States as a major influence on European politics, the different postwar approaches to European cooperation, and competing perspectives on political, economic, and social questions. Each of the book’s four parts opens with a brief overview, summarizing the main themes of the period and providing historical context to the upcoming chapters. The text is organized chronologically, with each chapter including a brief chronology. Maps, tables, Illustrations, and photographs are scattered throughout. The fourth edition of Twentieth-Century Europe: 1900 to the Present offers an extensive revision of all chapters, including new and updated content on Brexit; terrorist attacks in France, Belgium, Germany, and Britain; the Covid-19 pandemic; the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the rise of right-wing parties in Italy and Hungary; and much more. Discussions of intellectual and cultural trends are included, enabling readers to examine political and economic developments in their historical context. Provides brief chapters suitable for both traditional and non-traditional courses The text is divided into four chronological sections and 12 logically organized and easy to read and comprehend chapters Includes an extensive index and a useful appendix of abbreviations and acronyms Features useful maps, illustrations, and other visual aids to reinforce learning of key themes in European history Twentieth-Century Europe: 1900 to the Present, Fourth Edition is an ideal textbook for undergraduate history courses and an excellent introduction to modern European history for general readers with an interest in the subject.