This engaging text offers a brief; readable description of our common Western heritage. Providing a tightly focused narrative and interpretive structure; Brian Pavlac covers the basic historical information that all educated adults should know. His joined terms "supremacies and diversities" develop major themes of conflict and creativity throughout history. "Supremacies" centers on the use of power to dominate societies; ranging from warfare to ideologies. Supremacy; Pavlac shows; seeks stability; order; and incorporation. "Diversities" encompasses the creative impulse that produces new ideas; as well as efforts of groups of people to define themselves as "different." Diversity creates change; opportunity; and individuality. These concepts of historical tension and change; whether applied to political; economic; technological; social; or cultural trends; offer a cohesive explanatory organization. The text is also informed by five other topical themes: technological innovation; migration and conquest; political and economic decision-making; church and state; and disputes about the meaning of life. Throughout; judicious "basic principles" present summaries of historical realities. Written with flair; this easily accessible yet deeply knowledgeable text provides all the essentials for a course on Western civilization.More information; study guides; and links to sources can be found on the book's website; www.concisewesternciv.com.
#1093312 in Books 2016-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.00 x 6.13l; .0 #File Name: 1439913188256 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This is history; up close and personal. It ...By ChristinaThis is history; up close and personal. It demonstrates the kindness and morality of the neighborhood; regardless of color or social status; vs the callous indifference of outsiders using greed as their only compass.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Dennis ToddTerrific story beautifully told2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Revealing and Informative NarrativeBy Nancy A.The Parker Sisters: A Border Kidnapping by Lucy Maddox is a nonfiction exploration of the 1851 kidnapping of two free black sisters from Chester County; PA; which is just above the Pennsylvania-Maryland line. Quakers had settled the area before William Penn. Quakers as a group were not active abolitionists; and those who were had to work under cover. Slavery was illegal in Pennsylvania but residents obeyed the law concerning the Fugitive Slave Act which made it mandatory to return escaped 'property' to their Southern owners. Abolitionists were detested as lawbreakers. Pennsylvanians also were incensed by the kidnapping of freemen to be sold as slaves in the South; another breaking of the law.The life of a free person of color in rural Pennsylvania was one of isolation; working for European descent farmers for little pay.Elizabeth Parker was kidnapped and sold to a New Orleans woman. She was sent on the streets to sell flowers and candy; slept on a feather bed; and was surrounded by others of her color. She was not unhappy in spite of her loss of freedom. When she was arrested for breaking the 8 pm curfew she played her trump card and confessed she was a free woman kidnapped into slavery. Her sister Rachel Parker was also kidnapped and her employer and other Chester County farmers followed to bring her back; the farmer she worked for was later found dead. After several exhumations it was determined that he was murdered.Their kidnapper claimed they were the Crocus sisters who had escaped from their owners. The girls remained in prison for a year awaiting the trials that would settle their identity.. African Americans were legally bared from testifying in court for others of their color. Their identity had to be established by members of their home community; against the word of those who benefited from her sale.Maddox uses trial records and primary sources to reconstruct the kidnapping of the Parker sisters. Their story brings to life the legal; political; and personal ramifications of the Fugitive Slave Act.I received a free ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
