It would be hard to imagine a more readable general history of the West that covers so much ground so incisively.―William Grimes; The New York Times Ever since the attacks of September 11; 2001; Western leaders have described a world engaged in "a fight for civilization." But what do we mean by civilization? We believe in a Western tradition of freedom that has produced a fulfilling existence for many millions of people and a culture of enormous depth and creative power. But the history of our civilization is also filled with unspeakable brutality―for every Leonardo there is a Mussolini; for every Beethoven symphony a concentration camp; for every Chrysler Building a My Lai massacre. An ambitious historical assessment of the Western world―tying together the histories of empires; art; philosophy; science; and politics―Civilization reexamines and confronts us with all of our glories and catastrophes. At such a dangerous time in the world's history; this brilliant book is required reading.
#859442 in Books 2007-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.37 x .70 x 10.49l; 2.30 #File Name: 1931807574168 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Ghana: the port city on Africa's Gold Coast.- a photo journalBy Thomas C.; MartinI selected this book because of its easy to read text and brilliant color photography by the author. It is a kind of author's love affair with an fascinating country. My grandson had been selected to go on a two year mission to Ghana; on behalf of his church; and his parents were somewhat nervous about it; not having had occasion to learn about the country in any modern sense. They were pleased to receive an to read it; as a kind of personal tour by the author; through his camera lens and easy narration. The quality of the book is excellent; and of a size suitable for a coffee table display. I recommend it to anyone considering travel to Africa; or just to learn about a country that has long been a port of call for international maritime trade. It is also a major fishing port; and famous for its fishing fleet. My grandson enjoyed his two year assignment there; and made many new friends among the people of Ghana. He has returned and was very impressed with the nation and its people. This book is a wide window into a fascinating nation of rich history that has merged gracefully into the modern world; and meld with western industries. Hard to put down; for anyone wanting to learn quickly about Ghana; the book is made for the casual reader.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful; inspiring; artfulBy Rosemom52This is another book I thought I was buying for my best friend from Ghana; but when it arrived; I told him we would have to "share" it! He had told me so many stories of growing up there; but this book truly made it all come alive; with exquisite photography of everyday folk going about their work; production of native industries (cocoa beans; Kente cloth; fishing; gold); and beautiful landscapes. But what really topped it off was the translations of native poetry near some of the photos. The poems are thoughtfully chosen and give one the sense of being transported into another world -- the life of Ghana. Truly a lovely and well-designed production; a great gift for a friend who is missing life back home in Ghana; or someone who wants a non-Westernized view of life there.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Prepare for your trip to GhanaBy Cat LinnI got this book for my sister and her husband because they are spending a month in Ghana this summer doing humanitarian work. I read the opening essay and was quite moved by the author; a daughter of one of Ghana's former leaders. She gave me a sense of the people of her nation; and it was good. The photos gave me a sense of the place; and it was good. The photos are exquisite and book the merits worth for those images alone; coupled with the narrative; it is; I hope; a true and wise glimpse of what one might come to know of Ghana. When my sister and brother-in-law return; I will be anxious to compare their pictures and stories to the beautiful book.
