Present a strong, clear narrative account of the central developments in Western history. The book calls attention to certain critical themes -- the development of political freedom and constitutional government; the shifting relations among religion, society, and the state; the development of science and technology and their impact on thought and social institutions; and the major religious and intellectual currents that have shaped Western culture.

For one-quarter/semester introductory-level survey courses in Western Civilization and European History and Civilization; or a supplemental text in Art History or other basic cultural history surveys. This concise survey of Western civilization (based on the best-selling The Western Heritage, Seventh Edition), provides an exceptionally balanced survey of the political, social, and cultural development of Western civilization its strengths and weaknesses, and the controversies surrounding it. This brief edition condenses the central narrative without compromising on vocabulary or conceptual level to make it more fully accessible to today's students, and to allow instructors greater opportunity to supplement the course with extensive outside readings, if desired.

First published in 1967.