History of Western Society Review
This is a very good Western Civilization textbook. I use it in my own Western Civilization survey course, and my students have generally responded very well to it. My main objection is the high cost, but that is a problem common to all survey texts. It provides a good base narrative and plenty of detail. Is it perfect? No, but no textbook will ever be exactly what the instructor or students want. I think it and the Kishlansky text are the two best out there right now. This book is indeed not the Cliff note version of history, nor should it be. If something like Cliff notes is the key to passing the AP history exam, I would suggest that the AP history exam is a poor measure of one's mastery of European history.
History of Western Society Overview
Focusing on the lives of ordinary people, this volume covers the main developments and themes of Western civilization from absolutism to the present. Social and economic history are areas of special emphasis, and the text also pays attention to traditional political and cultural developments, with a view to providing a well-rounded view of Western history. An ancillary package is available upon adoption.
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Related Products
- Cracking the AP European History Exam, 2010 Edition (College Test Preparation)
- A History of Western Society Since 1300 for Advanced Placement*
- AP Achiever (Advanced Placement* Exam Preparation Guide) for European History (College Test Prep)
- Readings for Writers (with 2009 MLA Update Card)
- Girl with a Pearl Earring, Deluxe Edition
Customer Reviews
not even a textbook - Smith -
Most textbooks are designed to teach and instruct in a detailed and straight forward manner. This book is unable to do either. The language it is written in is very confusing, it seems that most of the book is written as an essay, using big fancy words which are totally unnecessary. The message is not easy to discern. The book does not provide good instruction. In fact, THERE IS NOT EVEN A GLOSSARY, and most of the words aren't even defined in context.
This is pathetic, I will have to buy another supplement in hopes of doing well on the AP exam, because this book will be unable to get me prepared. Instructors, please stay away from this book. Students, good luck trying to understand it.
A Good A.P. History Book - Christian Gardner - Dub C, California USA
This is the book out there for A.P. European History and it is a detailed piece of literature. Going from the beginning of man himself up to recent times, this book has it all for European history. The only reason I give this four stars is that the book is a bit hard to get through at times. I guess most A.P books are like this but it seems that you get bored reading after only a few pages. However, this is the book you want if you're going to take European History, or want an extensive hisory of Europe. Happy buying.
I would give this book 6 stars - Joseph M - Colorado, USA
A History of Western Society by McKay, McHill, and Buckner is a really great textbook. It got me a 5 on the AP test, so that is probably why I like it so much. McKay makes it a point to look into the lives of ordinary people as well as the rulers. The book is based on the AP Test and thouroughly prepares the student for it. There are tons of pictures and the reading is meant to be straight forward.
I would recommend this book to any AP European History student.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 06, 2010 01:30:05
No comments:
Post a Comment