"The Age of Absolutism" (1650—1789) covers the final years of the last great European monarchies and the divestiture of monarchical power through reform and revolution. Emphasis is given to the absolute reign of Louis XIV of France, and the growth of constitutional monarchy in late-17th century England. Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke, and their theorectical impact on the unraveling of royal power and the revolutions in France and America are discussed. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys included.

Illustrated the impact of diverse movements and various individuals on European history and on development in the U.S., Asia, and elsewhere.

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"The Ancient World" (Paleolithic Age—500 B.C.) covers the period from the dark prehistory of the Paleolithic Age to the development of the earliest centers of civilization in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. The lives of hunter-gatherers, the agricultural revolution, and the rise of the world's first cities are all vividly depicted in this richly illustrated text. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys are included.

"The Middle Ages" (A.D. 500—1300) covers one of the darkest periods in European history—from the collapse of the Roman Empire through centuries of chaos, destruction, and barbarian rule. The civilizing power of the church, the rise of feudalism, the growth of monarchical rule, the dramatic rebirth of towns and cities, and the formation of the world's first universities are among the events vividly documented in this richly illustrated text. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys are included.

"The Renaissance" (1300—1500) provides an overview of the years from the Late Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Special emphasis is given to the natural and political disasters that ravaged 14th-century Europe, as well as the unprecedented intellectual, cultural, and artistic flourishing of the 15th and 16th centuries. The Black Death, The Hundred Years' War, the invention of the printing press, the birth of humanism, and the life of Leonardo da Vinci are among the dramatic events vividly documented in this richly illustrated text. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys are included.