Western Civilization_ Volume B_ 1300 to 1815 - Jackson J. Spielvogel [9]
Each chapter has an introduction and an illustrated chapter summary to help maintain the continuity of the narrative and to provide a synthesis of important themes. Anecdotes in the chapter introductions dramatically convey the major theme or themes of each chapter. Detailed chronologies reinforce the events discussed in the text, and a chapter timeline at the end of each chapter enables students to review at a glance the chief developments of an era. Many of the timelines also show parallel developments in different cultures or nations. An annotated bibliography at the end of each chapter reviews the most recent literature on each period and also gives references to some of the older, “classic” works in each field. New “Upon Reflection” Chapter Review Questions and Key Terms lists provide valuable study aids.
Updated maps and extensive illustrations serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of the text. Detailed map captions are designed to enrich students’ awareness of the importance of geography to history, and numerous spot maps enable readers to see at a glance the region or subject being discussed in the text. Map captions also include a map question to guide students’ reading of the map, as well as references to online interactive versions of the maps. To facilitate understanding of cultural movements, illustrations of artistic works discussed in the text are placed near the discussions. Throughout the text, illustration captions have been revised and expanded to further students’ understanding of the past. Chapter outlines and focus questions, including critical thinking questions, at the beginning of each chapter give students a useful overview and guide them to the main subjects of each chapter. The focus questions are then repeated at the beginning of each major section in the chapter. A glossary of important terms (boldfaced in the text when they are introduced and defined) is provided at the back of the book to maximize reader comprehension. A guide to pronunciation is now provided in the text in parentheses following the first mention of a complex name or term.
New to This Edition
As preparation for the revision of Western Civilization, I reexamined the entire book and analyzed the comments and reviews of many colleagues who have found the book to be a useful instrument for introducing their students to the history of Western civilization. In making revisions for the eighth edition, I sought to build on the strengths of the first seven editions and, above all, to maintain the balance, synthesis, and narrative qualities that characterized those editions. To keep up with the ever-growing body of historical scholarship, new or revised material has been added throughout the book on the following topics:
Chapter 1 the first humans; the Akkadian Empire; the Third Dynasty of Ur; revision of Images of Everyday Life feature on “The Egyptian Diet.”
Chapter 2 the Assyrian Empire; new Opposing Viewpoints feature on “The Governing of Empires: Two Approaches.”
Chapter 3 the Persian Wars; new Film & History feature on 300.
Chapter 4 Philip’s military reforms; new section, “Alexander’s Military Success.”
Chapter 5 Roman military success; new Opposing Viewpoints feature on “The End of The Republic: Three Views.”
Chapter 6 the Roman army; new Film & History feature on Gladiator.
Chapter 7 iconoclasm; the practice of war and diplomacy in the Byzantine Empire; Constantinople and the role of trade; the rise of Islam.
Chapter 8 Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire; new Opposing Viewpoints feature