The Modernization of the Western World presents an overview of the
history of Western civilization and provides readers with the
intellectual tools they need to comprehend how societies function and
change. Covering Western history from ancient history to the current era
of globalization, it draws on the tradition of historical sociology to
describe the forces of social change and what they have meant to the
lives of the people caught in the midst of them.
This second edition is revised throughout to bring the content up to
date with recent developments and discusses key themes such as
terrorism, refugees, the European Union and multinational corporations.
It also includes a new chapter on the Ancient World, covering this era
from the advent of urbanization and agriculture in the Middle East to
the fall of Rome and emergence of Christianity, providing valuable
historical context.
Clear and concise, this book succinctly illustrates the essential
turning points in the history of Western society and identifies the
economic, social, political and cultural forces that are transforming
the wider world to this day. Illustrated with maps and images and
containing a glossary and new boxed features explaining key concepts,
this is the perfect introductory book for students of the development of
Western civilization.
