Description
Book SynopsisCultures of the West: A History, Fourth Edition, focuses on the ways in which the major ideas and passions of Western culture developed, internally, and how they interacted with the broader world--for good and for ill. The development of such key ideas as religion, science, and philosophy form the central narrative of this book.Cultures of the West stands apart from other textbooks in a variety of ways, the first being thematic unity. What did people think and believe, throughout our history, about human nature, the right way to live, God, the best forms of government, or the meaning of human life? Rather than maintaining a single interpretive stance, author Clifford R. Backman relies upon a consistent set of questions: What did people think and feel throughout the centuries about politics, science, religion, and sex? How did they come to their positions regarding the right way to live? Backman''s many years of experience in the classroom have informed his approach--students respond to
Trade ReviewThe best Western Civ textbook on the market right now, in terms of content, coverage, and cost. * John Eglin, University of Montana *
The primary source excerpts embedded in the narrative are a tremendous asset. It is a major benefit to the book and to students' understanding. * Martha Kinney, Suffolk County Community College *
The strengths of Cultures of the West relate to the singular authorial voice and the narrative approach to the material. I struggle to find any weaknesses. * Romuald Byczskiwcz, Tunxis Community College *
An original book with an authorial tone of voice that comes through. Clifford Backman is willing to be honest and direct, and to propose interpretations worth considering." * Jason Ripper, Everett Community College *
