Finally the Truth about the Rise of the West Modernity developed only in the West—in Europe and North America. Nowhere else did science and democracy arise; nowhere else was slavery outlawed. Only Westerners invented chimneys; musical scores; telescopes; eyeglasses; pianos; electric lights; aspirin; and soap.The question is; Why? Unfortunately; that question has become so politically incorrect that most scholars avoid it. But acclaimed author Rodney Starkprovides the answers in this sweeping new look at Western civilization.How the West Won demonstrates the primacy of uniquely Western ideas—among them the belief in free will; the commitment to the pursuit of knowledge; the notion that the universe functions according to rational rules that can be disÂcovered; and the emphasis on human freedom and secure property rights. Taking readers on a thrilling journey from ancient Greece to the present; Stark challenges much of the received wisdom about Western hisÂtory. How the West Won shows; for example: • Why the fall of Rome was the single most beneficial event in the rise of Western civilization • Why the “Dark Ages†never happened • Why the Crusades had nothing to do with grabbing loot or attacking the Muslim world unprovoked • Why there was no “Scientific Revolution†in the seventeenth century • Why scholars’ recent efforts to dismiss the importance of battles are ridiculous: had the Greeks lost at the Battle of Marathon; we probably would never have heard of Plato or Aristotle Stark also debunks absurd fabrications that have flourished in the past few decades: that the Greeks stole their culture from Africa; that the West’s “discoveries†were copied from the Chinese and Muslims; that Europe became rich by plundering the non-Western world. At the same time; he reveals the woeful inadequacy of recent attempts to attribute the rise of the West to purely material causes—favorable climates; abundant natural resources; guns and steel.How the West Wondisplays Rodney Stark’s gifts for lively narrative history and making the latest scholarship accessible to all readers. This bold; insightful book will force you to rethink your understanding of the West and the birth of modernity—and to recognize that Western civilization really has set itself apart from other cultures.
#1605821 in Books Bloomsbury Press 2013-10-22 2013-10-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 199.64 x 1.14 x 5.82l; .85 #File Name: 160819261X416 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A New PerspectiveBy Janet K. SchwartzkopfI started reading this book to give myself some perspective on the 2012 presidential election. If nothing else; I hoped it would show me what was similar with the hotly contested election 152 years ago and what was different. I wasn't disappointed. By choosing to focus on the front-runners going into the contest -- Stephen Douglas and William Seward -- the author is able to dish up a lot of information that I've never run across in my other readings on this period.About the only place I felt the book dragged a bit was during the accounts of the multiple conventions that eventually generated four candidates who received votes in the Electoral College. I suspect some of that may have simply stemmed from the fact that I didn't know all the characters and how they fit. Once the ballot was set; though; it was fascinating to see how the election evolved; from organizers who plotted to send the choice to the House of Representatives to the winning of battleground states (yes; Ohio and Pennsylvania among them) to Douglas' first-ever whistle-stop tour.However; Egerton isn't content to let the story end with Abraham Lincoln's victory. He continues on with Congress' ineffective efforts to generate a last-minute compromise on slavery as the South began withdrawing from the Union; a state-generated effort that met with a similar lack of success; and the selection of Jefferson Davis as the president of the Confederacy. All in all; it's a whirlwind tour of an exciting episode in our country's history; and one that ultimately left me weighing just how divided our country really is today and when it's time to compromise and when it's time to stand your ground.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Great Political History of America's Turning PointBy Rep. Phil EnglishI strongly recommend this book as a beautifully researched; immensely readible history of an election that truly changed America.While so many histories of the 1860 contest are understandibly centered on the character and presidency of Lincoln; or on the leadup to the Civil War; this volume offers fresh perspectives on the political environment and the leaders who shaped this epic electoral contest. Egerton offers detailed portraits of some of the key personalities; with nuances found in few other accounts: Douglas; Seward; Chase and other candidates come alive; and the treatment of their political falures offers insights not found elsewhere. The description of the many rival political conventions and multi party campaigns- especially the clever intrigues to destroy the unity of the Democratic Party; and the ill-fated but impressive boomlet for the Constitutional Union Party- is an absorbing narrative for anyone intrigued by the period. This rich history invites the reader to consider how the circumstances; and election results; could have easily been so very different. What if the Republican Party had nominated the controversial William Seward rather than the obscure Abraham Lincoln? What if the Democrats had held their initial convention in a community other than Charleston- poisoned by sectional intrigue? What if the Constitutional Union convention had followed its first instinct: to select as their nominee the appealing and coalition shaking Sam Houston rather than ex-Whig Bell? This book is irresistable for any reader drawn to the politics of the Civil War.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. If you have had questions as to what led a "Unified" country to tear itself apart; this book answers those questions.By Bruce WegnerSince I was young; when I would ask why did there need to be a war between the states I was told there was no one answer. I have been told there were many reasons why the South felt they needed to tear themselves away from the union. I was told that it wasn't just over slavery. There was the question of settling the Territories; and what could be brought into them.This book does a wonderful job laying out all of the independent political attitudes that were rearing their ugly heads; and how no one party would concede anything.It tells how a small group of extremists could manipulate half of the country right out of Union. It is reflective of how we seem to be watching the same thing happening today in these same Halls of Congress."Year of Meteors" is a book that completely holds my interest. I am nearly half way done; and I cannot put it down.I believe this book is a must for anyone who wants to answer those open ended questions on what brought on the Civil War.
