Sources of World Civilization

This two-volume reader spans the world and its history from the third millennium B.C. to the late 20th century. The illuminating anthology examines significant documents that will acquaint students with major world civilizations and help them understand the historical forces and ideas that have shaped the world in which they live. Selections in this reader include documents that represent people's attitudes toward history, literature, science, philosophy, religion, politics, economics, law, biography, and mythology, and which are either of major significance to that particular civilization during their period of history, or give substantial insights into the nature of the society from which they sprang. Informative introductions to each of the six sections, as well as individual readings, summarize the world events of a particular period to facilitate a more meaningful understanding, and to give students added insight on a document's origin and author. New to this edition: Pre-reading questions for each selection to help students identify the critical themes within each document. Integrative questions at the end of each section that prompt students to compare and contrast sources from within a particular culture or across cultures. More emphasis on non-Western civilizations, making the text more global in its approach.