Civilization & Culture Books - Page 3

The Humanistic Tradition (Book 1: The First Civilizations and the Classical Legacy) (Bk. 1)

Gloria K. Fiero

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Poor source of detail 1 out of 5 stars.
5 of 8 people found this review helpful.

After using this book (as well as books 2 and 3) as texts for a class, I must say that I found all of them to be overrated and a poor choice of reference. The volumes contain nice photographs but are ineffective as textbooks. For example, as material is introduced a sudden segue to a new subject leaves the reader cold. I would not recommend any of this series to those who need detail. These books support a teaching methodology that relies upon mundane memorization of incidental information rather than comprehensive study.

Alexandria, Egypt was the Mind & Soul of Western Tradition 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

"The wisdom of the Egyptians was a proverb with the Greeks, who felt themselves children beside this ancient race." Plato, Timaeus, 22B, (Quoted from Will Durant, the Story of civilization:I)



Early Civilizations:
As summarized by Will Durant, the development of agriculture helped people to settle in villages and create communities, where the early civilizations gradually developed. Ancient people developed their specialized trades, arts, and crafts, establishing an economy based on trade, which led to the first civilizations. Since there were but few written records, as in the case of ancient Egypt, archaeologists have patiently recreated the history of the first civilizations by putting together artifacts and studying ruins which have been discovered over time. A cardinal characteristic of civilizations was that each had a leader, ruler, priests, and civil administrators. It has been discovered also that early civilizations were tinted by a class system of rich and poor people. First great civilizations were built around rivers, which were crucial to their development, and became a catalyst for the growth of agricultural civilization.

The Humanistic Tradition:
This colorful work is a thoughtful, methodical topical approach to the first classical civilizations that helps not only humanity students but all seekers of common global experience understand humanity's creative traditions as a continuum in space and time, rather than isolated events by human races or nations. This compelling acclaimed survey offers a global perspective, through a gifted editor of many vivid illustrations, integrating an amazing ocean of literary sources. It explores the sociopolitical, economic, and artistic contexts of human culture, providing an analytical perspective of the global multicultural quest which humanity pursued. Gloria Fiero's popular work offers the reader an opportunity to be introduced to 'The Humanistic Tradition' clearly demonstrating the close relationship between the culture of the past and sophisticated life and rich culture of the present. The book explores the arts and thought of the West in relation to ideas of other world cultures, from the ancient mid-East to the modern far East.

Ancient World's Light:
The above being said, I would like to caution the reader that the colorful author, and creative editor adopts a rather questionably biased theory, lately in great doubt (Ps. see: Barnel's Black Athena,) that Greek philosophy is the foundation of the Humanistic tradition, at least/ even in the West. Late Medieval Alexandria, Egypt was no doubt, the "Mind of Western Tradition". Eugene Holley Jr. expressed it beautifully, "Historians of philosophy have been wont to begin their story with the Greeks. It may be that we are all mistaken; for among the most ancient fragments left to us by the Egyptians are writings that belong under the rubric of moral philosophy. The Egyptians were the light of the ancient world. They produced many early medical instruments, designed the world's first step pyramid, and laid the empirical groundwork for scientific reasoning. Akhenaton, the rebel pharaoh, is cited as "the Father of Monotheism." Asante stresses throughout the book that these developments came from a confluence of African cultures, and not from other parts of the world. "The practice of the African philosophers along the Nile was a practice of maintaining Maat [the principle of truth, order, and justice] in every aspect of life," he writes. "If we could only learn from them the value of harmony, balance, and righteousness, we would be on our way toward a revival of the spirit of human victory."

Sonia's fine Review:
"The Humanistic Tradition is quite simply the finest book of its type. Fiero manages to integrate the political, cultural, and social history of the world into one coherent and fascinating whole. It is a masterpiece of scholarship... balanced, interesting, easy to read, and consummately beautiful." -- Sonia Sorrell, Pepperdine University

Editorial Review:

Designed for the Introduction to Humanities curriculum, this first volume of The Humanistic Tradition guides students from the from Paleolithic through Greco-Roman culture and the arts of India and China. It is a brief, exciting text that can also serve as a colorful and informative supplement in courses on prehistory, classical history, or Greek and Roman literature.

Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia

Orlando Figes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Natasha's Dance 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I'm still in the middle of this thick book, and I find it fascinating--but my Russian colleagues tell me is it not altogether trustworthy in its portrayal of Russian history and culture, so I'm looking at it with an eye toward possible problems. That said, it is an eminently readable, fun way to get through a lot of the history of this endlessly fascinating country.

The third side of the Russian coin. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Having lived in Russia six years and still in business there since 1991, I quickly learned that in Russia there is not only the proverbial two sides of the coin, but often three. Figes cetainly examines that underside of what makes a Russian different. He does it with revealing research and obvious affection and respect for those deep characteristics so unique to Russia and it's people. Certainly a scholarly work, but still entertaining, convincing, and a joy to read. As I have heard from Russian readers of my own book, "Why does it always take a foreigner to explain us." Figes is a master at that.

Frederick R. Andresen, Author of "Walking on Ice, An American Businessman in Russia"

Editorial Review:

Beginning in the eighteenth century with the building of St. Petersburg and culminating with the Soviet regime, Figes examines how writers, artists, and musicians grappled with the idea of Russia itself--its character, spiritual essence, and destiny. Skillfully interweaving the great works--by Dostoevsky, Stravinsky, and Chagall--with folk embroidery, peasant songs, religious icons, and all the customs of daily life, Figes reveals the spirit of "Russianness" as rich and uplifting, complex and contradictory--and more lasting than any Russian ruler or state.

The Humanistic Tradition, Book 2: Medieval Europe And The World Beyond

Gloria K. Fiero

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 1.0 of 5

Poorly Written; Bad Choice 1 out of 5 stars.
7 of 18 people found this review helpful.

When examined properly by a good author, the medieval period is an interesting and exciting phase of human history. This book is a horrid attempt at examining the period.

It is extremely boring and poorly written. The author uses phrases in it that you have to read five times to comprehend. Most of the book is filled with adjectives describing how something sounds or looks. Of course it is a good thing for authors to give the reader a vivid sense of what something looks like in person, or of the true meaning of poems or liturgical writings, etc. But most of her book is filled with descriptive adjectives rather than giving real information.

This book was used for a college introductory course to the Medieval world. I would NOT recommend it. There are so many wonderful books on this time period, that it is a shame to turn students away from further study of this topic (which it has done for every student in my class I have spoken with).

Editorial Review:

Beginning with the birth of Christianity and of Buddhism, the second book of The Humanistic Tradition offers a wide-ranging look at the period from 0-1300 C.E. The book addresses the interaction between religion and culture in emerging Islamic societies while also drawing on art, music, literature, and architecture to draw a vivid portrait of life in Medieval Europe. It concludes with a discussion of the art and culture of medieval Asia - India, China, and Japan.

The Humanistic Tradition, Book 5: From Romanticism To Realism and The Nineteenth Century World

Gloria K. Fiero

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Editorial Review:

The penultimate volume in this series chronicles the move towards modernism, covering the arts, politics, and philosophy from the end of the 1700s to the dawn of the twentieth century. Using literary and musical excerpts to illuminate discussions, Fiero addresses important events and discoveries of the nineteenth century world. Volume five begins with the art and literature of the Romantic era, and concludes with coverage of the shifting aesthetics of the late nineteenth century. As in previous volumes, Volume Five includes a range of vivid illustrations and images throughout the text to enhance the material.

The Western Experience

Mortimer Chambers, Raymond Grew, David Herlihy, Theodore Rabb, Isser Woloch

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A nice 1000-page synopsis of the European Culture, but... 3 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

"The Western Experience" edited by Chambers covers a massive range of topics in a manner that is conducive to the understanding of the material. The book discusses many Social, Political and economic trends for each respective time frame. However, there are some glaring omissions as a historical text. The book will state for example, that a certain organization was established in a certain year, however, nothing further is mentioned. No explanations as to why or as to what purpose said organization ultimately served. Further, the text becomes, at times, difficult to follow, as things are not discussed in chronological order. The reader often has difficulty in distinguishing the year and what specific events where happening elsewhere at the same time. But it must be noted here that the reader most certainly does recognize parallelism within history, as the result of its interconnected, yet non-chronological, organization scheme.

If must be noted, however, that while it is at times difficult to follow, the book, especially in the more modern history parts, does a relatively good job of remaining objective.

Editorial Review:

The new edition of this classic book for the Western civilization course features a brand new full-color design and a streamlined narrative that has been rewritten at the sentence level. With 100 new full color maps, 450 illustrations, and 100 new historical source boxes, the text sets the standard in the field for elegance and readability. The new edition also features increased coverage of social history, women's history and the interaction of the West with the other regions of the world. The text is conveniently available in a combined edition, a two volume edition, a three volume edition and, for the first time, an edition that runs from the Renaissance to the present.

The True History of Chocolate, Second Edition

Sophie D. Coe, Michael D. Coe

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"A beautifully written...and illustrated history of the Food of the Gods, from Olmecs to present-day developments."—Chocolatier

This delightful and best-selling tale of one of the world's favorite foods draws upon botany, archaeology, and culinary history to present a complete and accurate history of chocolate.

The story begins some 3,000 years ago in the jungles of Mexico and Central America with the chocolate tree, Theobroma Cacao, and the complex processes necessary to transform its bitter seeds into what is now known as chocolate. This was centuries before chocolate was consumed in generally unsweetened liquid form and used as currency by the Maya, and the Aztecs after them. The Spanish conquest of Central America introduced chocolate to Europe, where it first became the drink of kings and aristocrats and then was popularized in coffeehouses. Industrialization in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries made chocolate a food for the masses, and now, in our own time, it has become once again a luxury item.

The second edition draws on recent research and genetic analysis to update the information on the origins of the chocolate tree and early use by the Maya and others, and there is a new section on the medical and nutritional benefits of chocolate. 100 illustrations, 15 in color.

Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler

Rick Steves, Gene Openshaw

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Great Book for a bit History and Art "sort-of-interested-person" 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book for.......as it said on the book "Europe History and Art 101." Nothing too heavy but very informative. It's really nice easy reading....

some of the jokes were funny at the beginning but not so much at the end because it's bit boring.... but, if you just like to have a easy read then I strongly recommend it. Enjoy~

Great book 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

A must have whether or not your travel to Europe. If you do indeed go, read it before and during your trip. Other books are available; however, this one works really well and covers a wide swath or history - and thus interests.

A non-european eye on Europe 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

As being European myself, I expected from this book an independent eye and a reorganizing mind to describe European history and art. I was not deceived. A real overview with the right accents on 525 pages. I especially liked the timelines about each historical period, and the organization of monuments attached to art historical periods. Humour is also present: like hard rock and heavy metal to indicate stone and metal ages of prehistory.

Editorial Review:

Called by Arthur Frommer, the "rising star in travel guide publishing," Rick Steves knows how to write guidebooks that make European culture accessible to everyone. This highly readable overview of European history and culture carefully ties each style of art to its historical era and relates it to the reader's trip. 250 photos. 30 illustrations. 15 maps.

Daihakken (Shueisha bunko) (Japanese Edition)

Daniel J Boorstin

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Total reviews: 80 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

An Old Fashioned Idea.. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Admittedly, while I'm jumping into the fold a tad late, I think my review might benefit some who haven't yet read this glorious compendium of information. Yes, like one reviewer says, it is an encyclopedic collection of essential and non-essential information -- and at times a verbose one -- about life, history, culture and civilization. But in this wired age of getting information on the fly -- off a talking head on a wide screen, squinting at a one-inch-square cellphone web page, or listening to a scratchy bluetooth connection -- it is refreshing to learn of vast ideas and minutia and everything in between by turning 600+ pages of a heavy book.

A good read, but some disturbing tendencies 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The Discoverers is a facinating book, and tackles a very big topic: in effect, the history of knowledge of our world. The book is very readable, and Boorstin uses generally conversational, rather than pedantic, language.

All that being said, I was somewhat disappointed by Boorstin's constant portrayal of the Western Church as perhaps the single greatest obstacle to the advancement of knowledge. [Disclosure: I am a devout Catholic who has some familiarity with both the beauties and flaws of the Church.] While it is easy to play to common understandings -- and perhaps comfortable bigotries -- I would expect more from a scholar of Boorstin's reputation.

Boorstin never makes clear whether the Church, as he sees it, promoted ignorance deliberately as some nefarious program (in the spirit of the tendencious The Di Vinci Code) or more innocently out of its own intellectual limitations. In any case, he proceeds to neglect some obvious facts that run counter to his theme, the most notable of which is that the medieval church more than any other institution sponsored and guided the development of the university. This is not the sort of thing one would expect from an instution seeking to thwart learning.

There is a long list of church clerics who were literally "founding fathers" of scientific disciplines ranging from genetics and atomic theory to geology and seismology. None of these is even hinted at in The Discovers (although Boorstin finds room, oddly, for such "discoveries" as Keynesian economic theory). Most fundamentally, Boorstin never seems to recognize the peculiarity of his position -- that Western culture, so thoroughly and inextricably linked to a benighted Christian church, could produce the wide array of discoverers documented in his text.

Editorial Review:

An original history of man's greatest adventure: his search to discover the world around him.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Powerful Times: Rising to the Challenge of Our Uncertain World

Eamonn Kelly

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Understand the most revolutionary human transformation in four centuries...and prepare for it! We're not just living through an age of change: we're living through a 'change of age': the most profound inflection point in human history since the Enlightenment. That's the thesis of Eamonn Kelly's remarkable new book Powerful Times. From terrorism and nuclear proliferation to emerging technologies and economic globalization, Kelly weaves together 7 powerful 'dynamic tensions' that will reshape human life in the coming decades. Kelly offers breakthrough insights into how these tensions will conflict -- and how they'll resonate, creating giant waves of change beyond anything we've ever faced. He takes on the truly big questions. To answer pivotal questions, Kelly draws on breakthrough 'scenario planning' techniques he pioneered: techniques hundreds of top organizations now rely on. Simply put, this book will help you prepare for humanity's most profound transition in 400 years. For every executive, strategist, manager, entrepreneur, public policymaker, and citizen interested in the trends that will most powerfully impact business and life in the coming decades.Eamonn Kelly, the CEO and president of Global Business Network, the renowned future-oriented network and consulting firm, has for over a decade and has been at the forefront of exploring the emergence of a new, knowledge-intensive economy, and its far-reaching consequences for society, organizations and individuals. He has consulted with senior executives at dozens of the world's leading corporations in virtually every leading business sector; with key global and national public agencies, and with major philanthropic foundations. Kelly co-authored What's Next: Exploring the New Terrain for Business and The Future of the Knowledge Economy, and authored GBN's 2003 Scenario Book.

Adventures in the Human Spirit

Philip E. Bishop

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Editorial Review:

Exceptionally student-friendly, extensively illustrated, and engagingly thought-provoking, this one-volume historical survey of the humanities is accessible—and inviting—to readers with little background in the arts and humanities. Carefully balanced among the major arts, philosophy, and religion and finely focused on selected principal events, styles, movements, and figures, it brings the past to life by including authentic documents from daily life, comparative global perspectives, and examples from literature, philosophy, music—including the contributions of women and minority artists. For individuals waiting to discover the humanities' rich connections to their own