Western Civilization: Volume I: To 1715

Unlike most history texts, Spielvogel has been able to capture the key events and ideas of European civilization from 1300 and on. The book is well written and gives the reader good primary documents that relate to the reading. One problem is that the book doesn't give a good sense of chronology.

I have 3rd edition set, and took Western Civ II with Dr. Spielvogel at Penn State. His teaching and his book are by far the best history instruction (or any instruction) I've ever had. A brilliant educator and writer, this text is definately the one you want for any course on Western Civ. Spielvogel includes "Day in the Life" sidebars, as well as the opposing point of view (e.g. the Crusaders in Muslim Eyes, an account of a Muslim's viewpoint).

This book lives up to what it is supposed to be, an overview ofmodern European History. I am not fond of textbook overviews, butthat is what this is, and it does its job. It gives the reader a basic history from the French Revolution to the popular culture of the last 30 years. However, it is still a "textbook" and does not cover anything in depth.

Professor Emeritus Spielvogel has a unique teaching style that makes history interesting and captivating. This style is mirrored in this book. The text is enhanced by many diagrams, maps and charts. An annotated suggested reading list at the end of each chapter provides its readers with a strong base from which one can begin further research. "Western Civilization" is a very flexible book; it can be used on either the High School or College level and can easily be divided into different themes. If your purposes lead you to non-western areas of history, then try Spielvogel's "World History", co-author by Professor Emeritus William J. Duiker.