Book Description
This authoritative book presents an engaging and accessible narrative account of the central developments in Western history since 1648. Seamlessly integrating coverage of social, cultural and political history, this book is presented in a flexible chronological organization, helping readers grasp the most significant developments that occurred during a single historical period, laying a useful foundation for the chapters to follow. This volume attempts to reflect the unprecedented impact of globalization on this century by featuring extensive coverage of popular culture, the relationship between Islam and the West, and the contribution of women in the history of Western Civilization.
Volume Two contains Chs. 13-31 of the Combined Volume: Paths to Constitutionalism and Absolutism: England and France in the 17th Century; New Directions in Thought and Culture in the 16th and 17th Centuries; Successful and Unsuccessful Paths to Power; Society and Economy under the Old Regime in the 18th Century; The Transatlantic Economy, Trade Wars, and Colonial Rebellion; The Age of Enlightenment: 18th-Century Thought; The French Revolution; The Age of Napoleon and the Triumph of Romanticism; The Conservative Order and the Challenges of Reform; Economic Advance and Social Unrest; The Age of Nation-States; The Building of European Supremacy: Society and Politics to World War I; The Birth of Modern European Thought; Imperialism, Alliances, and War; Political Experiments of the 1920s; Europe and the Great Depression of the 1930s; World War II; Faces of the 20th-Century: European Social Experiences; and The Cold War Era and the Emergence of the New Europe. For use by history career professionals.
Book Description
REA … Real review, Real practice, Real results.
An easier path to a college degree – get college credits without the classes.
CLEP WESTERN CIVILIZATION I: Ancient Near East to 1648
With TESTware -- CD with timed practice tests, instant scoring, and more.
Based on today’s official CLEP exam
Are you prepared to excel on the CLEP?
* Take the first practice test to discover what you know and what you should know
* Set up a flexible study schedule by following our easy timeline
* Use REA's advice to ready yourself for proper study and success
Study what you need to know to pass the exam
* The book's on-target subject review features coverage of all topics on the official CLEP exam from the age-old Near East kingdoms through Ancient Greece and Rome, up to the Middle Ages and early Modern Europe of 1648.
* Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test
* Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study
Practice for real
* Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with the book’s 2 full-length practice tests on REA’s TESTware CD, featuring test-taking against the clock, instant scoring by topic, handy mark-and-return function, pause function, and more.
* OR choose paper-and-pencil testing at your own pace
* Chart your progress with full and detailed explanations of all answers
* Boost your confidence with test-taking strategies and experienced advice
Specially Written for Solo Test Preparation!
REA is the acknowledged leader in CLEP preparation, with the most extensive library of CLEP titles and software available. Most titles are also offered with REA's exclusive TESTware software to make your practice more effective and more like exam day. REA's CLEP Prep guides will help you get valuable credits, save on tuition, and advance your chosen career by earning a college degree.
Customer Reviews:
CLEP Western Civilization 1 w/CD-ROM.......2007-08-10
This book did not help at all. It covered about 10 questions that were on the test. I suggest using other study material.
Excellent review and study guide, buy it for this test!.......2007-07-18
I used this guide and also reviewed the questions in the Official CLEP Study Guide for this test. I read the material once, and did 1 1/2 of the practice exams and read through the answers. The coverage was good, there is a lot of material, however like always guage your own abilities and retention when determining study time. I scored a 68 on this test. Good luck.
A Big Help!.......2007-05-11
My HIGH SCHOOL Freshman and I just returned from her Western Civ CLEP exam. She scored a 67! No, we can't give REA all the credit she did follow the College Board's recommendation and studied a college text on Western Civ, but REA deserves a lot of credit still. The practice tests helped her focus on what she was weak in and the review sections she said were very helpful. My daughters have taken 6 CLEP exams using REA guides as an aid and have passed every one. It's worth the money!
Comprehensive!!!.......2006-07-29
This company has produced a comphrehensive and practical guide to the Clep. Though I also reread a couple different textbooks, I almost regret spending the time to do so given how comphrehensive this study guide really was. The chapters outlining important historical information, including even some obscure names, were fantastic and the explanations to right/wrong answers in the practice test were helpful. I will concur with other reviews as well. I was averaging in the fifties for the practice test and, for the real test, scored a 76. So, study it and relax. This book really prepares you.
You'll need more than what's in this book to pass the CLEP.......2006-05-14
Bought a mathematics REA book for the CLEP for my daughter last year. Worthless. Covered very little on what was actually on the exam. Made me question this company, and from what feedback I read on this Western Civilization book, REA did it again. Bought the book anyway because of desperation. And I wonder why would a company as large as REA not take the time to actually reflect the real test. That aside, I also bought Spielvogel's Western Civilization textbook, and I have to say it's an impressive book. Downside is at over 500 pages, and reading this along with the REA book, you'd need over a semester of studying to read all to pass the test, which is totally unnecessary if REA would do its job. However, you only have to read the first half of Spielvogel's book, 5th edition, to study for the Western Civilization 1 test and the rest for WC 2.
And a word of warning, Web sites are preying on those looking for help with CLEP exams. I downloaded one from Morrison Media, "CLEP Success," and what an awful waste. You pay close to $40 for a 50 page PDF, of which the bulk is study tips which you can get for free from the College Board. Their actual "help" for the exam is about 20 pages, which is no more than an outline of what's on the test, again which you can get from the College Board for free. Another site stated over 98% of their students pass the test, and again it's a poorly written PDF. All in all, the only decent guide for the CLEP is the REA, but you'll have to also read other material besides it, and I'd recommend Spielvogel's book for that.
Book Description
REA … Real review, Real practice, Real results.
An easier path to a college degree – get college credits without the classes.
CLEP WESTERN CIVILIZATION II: 1648 to the Present – with TESTware
Includes CD with timed practice tests, instant scoring, and more.
Based on today’s official CLEP exam
Are you prepared to excel on the CLEP?
* Take the first practice test to discover what you know and what you should know
* Set up a flexible study schedule by following our easy timeline
* Use REA's advice to ready yourself for proper study and success
Study what you need to know to pass the exam
* The book's on-target subject review features coverage of all topics on the official CLEP exam, imperial expansion, the Age of Enlightenment, Napoleonic Europe, the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism, the World Wars and more.
* Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test
* Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study
Practice for real
* Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with the book’s 2 full-length practice tests on REA’s TESTware CD, featuring test-taking against the clock, instant scoring by topic, handy mark-and-return function, pause function, and more.
* OR choose paper-and-pencil testing at your own pace
* Chart your progress with full and detailed explanations of all answers
* Boost your confidence with test-taking strategies and experienced advice
Specially Written for Solo Test Preparation!
REA is the acknowledged leader in CLEP preparation, with the most extensive library of CLEP titles and software available. Most titles are also offered with REA's exclusive TESTware software to make your practice more effective and more like exam day. REA's CLEP Prep guides will help you get valuable credits, save on tuition, and advance your chosen career by earning a college degree.
Customer Reviews:
Not so great -Review book mostly.......2007-04-03
I passed the clep Western Civilization II, not too long ago.
I used this book, but as i was taking the test i realized that most of the information was much harder than the one on the practice exam...
I was able to pass the test, because i knew some information that did not figure in the book.
Also the cd has the same 2 tests that are in the book also, so i would recommend buying the one with the CD to people who are not familiar with the Celp format.
If i were you, i would use this book, for review ONLY!! Use a college western civilization textbook also.....
Good luck!!!
CLEP Western Civilization II w/ CD-ROM.......2007-03-09
Great book! It was a great review book after studying the subject. I would recommend this anyone who is planning on taking the CLEP exam. It helped my daughter pass the exam.
Won't help you pass.........2007-01-18
I studied and studied for the Western Civ II test with this book and was correctly getting well over 100 right on the practice exams. I went to take the test today and only scored a 48. There were many topics on the test that this book didn't cover or even mention. This book alone will not help you pass this exam..
EXCELSIOR STUDENTS YOU CAN PASS THIS CLEP TEST!.......2006-05-08
The Western Civilization II CLEP test is rarely taken and this is to my knowledge the only comprehensive study guide for it other than the recently released and unproven review by National Learning Corporation which lacks a CBT sample test for your home computer. This REA CLEP guide didn't hit the bookstores and Amazon until December 31, 2005. Before then if you took this CLEP test you had no idea what kind of material you where getting into or what exactly you were supposed to study in order to pass. Don't be fooled into thinking that this CLEP test is easy which its not. The actual test will be 119-122 questions and you will neeed a good understanding on everything from Louis XIV and the French Revolution to Gorbachev and his exact contributions to the Soviet system of government. You will also need to know what the political map of Europe looked like in each period from 1648 to the present. Yes you can pass this CLEP test but if you've have never taken a CLEP test before you might want to first try something easier such as Principles of Marketing. If you have taken and passed several CLEP tests before then yes you can study for and pass the Western Civilization II CLEP. In as little as ten days before the actual CLEP test you can test yourself each day on the computer with the CBT practice included with the book until you have memorized all of the answers and then read and have a good understanding of the detailed explanations in the back of the book and you will get a passing grade on this CLEP test. REA has done it again with this book and a good understanding of the material in it you can pass the Western Civilization II CLEP test!
Book Description
Contains chapters 16-32 of the comprehensive text.
Customer Reviews:
A very good book.......2000-10-15
I used this book for my survey course in European history, and it was excellent. It is very descriptive and very interesting to read. It can be a little dense at times, but it is well worth the price.
A very good book.......2000-10-15
I used this book for my survey course in European history, and it was excellent. It is very descriptive and very interesting to read. It can be a little dense at times, but it is well worth the price,
An Excellent Textbook.......2000-10-15
This is the perfect text for a college-level introductory course in Western civilization or European history. It is vivid and descriptive. It can be a little dense at parts, but overall, a very good base for those interested in history.
Book Description
REA … Real review, Real practice, Real results.
An easier path to a college degree – get college credits without the classes.
CLEP WESTERN CIVILIZATION II: 16478 to the Present
Based on today’s official CLEP exam
Are you prepared to excel on the CLEP?
* Take the first practice test to discover what you know and what you should know
* Set up a flexible study schedule by following our easy timeline
* Use REA's advice to ready yourself for proper study and success
Study what you need to know to pass the exam
* The book's on-target subject review features coverage of all topics on the official CLEP exam, including imperial expansion, the Age of Enlightenment, Napoleonic Europe, the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism, the World Wars and more.
* Smart and friendly lessons reinforce necessary skills
* Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test
* Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study
Practice for real
* Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with 2 full-length practice tests
* Chart your progress with full and detailed explanations of all answers
* Boost your confidence with test-taking strategies and experienced advice
Specially Written for Solo Test Preparation!
REA is the acknowledged leader in CLEP preparation, with the most extensive library of CLEP titles and software available. Most titles are also offered with REA's exclusive TESTware software to make your practice more effective and more like exam day. REA's CLEP Prep guides will help you get valuable credits, save on tuition, and advance your chosen career by earning a college degree.
Customer Reviews:
Good Product that will help.......2007-04-01
The CLEP Western Civilization II book is a significantly summarized version of events from 1648 to present. Containing just 136 pages of reading material, it does offer two practice exams at the end containing 240 questions. I've always had an interest in history and possess a fair knowledge of events and time-lines. The CLEP test was very difficult; I received a barely passing grade of 54. I actually thought for sure I failed, due to frequent guessing! I Recommend this summary be read first, then go on to another textbook for supplemental information.
CLEP Western Civ. II.......2006-07-21
This book was very helpful. I also watch a lot of the History Channel! Use the College Board's CLEP Official Study Guide, 17th Edition it helps. The practice tests will let you know what to brush-up on. I scored a 63.
Best thing out there , yet not enough........2006-04-25
If you are planning to take this exam, make sure you have a solid text book as your primary means of preparation. Unlike most REA books, this book alone WILL NOT provide you with enough info to pass the exam. I took the CLEP Western Civilization exam this morning and even though I passed, I have to say that this is a difficult exam. I recommend "Western Civilization : Volume II: Since 1500 (with InfoTrac) (Paperback)
by Jackson J. Spielvogel (in addition to the REA book) also, The prep questions included with this book ( while somewhat helpfull) were misleading in that the actual test questions were much more complex than the ones provided in the book.
Amazon.com
The Measure of Reality is the third book in a series in which Alfred Crosby, a noted historian, asks how it is that Western European societies could have conquered so much of the world in the space of a few generations. The answer, he finds, is in certain agricultural and technological techniques. In this volume he turns to one set of techniques in particular: the precise measurement of time, number, and distance. That precise measurement enabled European armies to march in step, enabled navigators to find faraway ports, and enabled gunsmiths and chemists to formulate the weapons of conquest. These inventions were refined over centuries, but most came heavily into play in the years between 1250 and 1300, the period Crosby examines in closest detail. The Measure of Reality offers a fascinating, big-picture view of the artifacts that changed history.
Book Description
Western Europeans were among the first, if not the first, to invent mechanical clocks, geometrically precise maps, double-entry bookkeeping, precise algebraic and musical notations, and perspective painting. More people in Western Europe thought quantitatively in the sixteenth century than in any other part of the world, enabling them to become the world's leaders. With amusing detail and historical anecdote, Alfred Crosby discusses the shift from qualitative to quantitative perception that occurred during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Alfred W. Crosby is the author of five books, including the award-winning Ecological Imperialism: The Biological Expansion of Europe, 900-1900 (Cambridge, 1986)
Customer Reviews:
Part 3 of a Trilogy.......2007-03-30
An important consideration when reading this book is to remember that it is the third part of a trilogy, with the first two parts being (1) "The Columbian Exchange" and (2) "Ecological Imperialism." Crosby's case studies in this book on the development of quantitative thinking in Europe are fascinating in and of themselves. But the overall impact of the shift from quanlitative to quantitative thinking in the emergence of Europe as a world power is absolutely critical to the understanding of the world today. I find this concept to be both more compelling and more predictive than the arguments put forth in G. Diamond's "Guns Germs and Steel." By way of example, look at what India, China and other East Asian countries have done with the adoption of quantitative thinking.
A must read .......2005-06-03
For any of you interested in History of Science and its impact on society, this is a must read.
The Measure of Reality explores another angle of the "Guns, Germs and Steel" line of investigation. Namely, the origins of why did the West, a crude, backwater region; evolve to its significant role in the modern world. Crosby postulates that a shift of Western mindset from qualitative to quantitative thinking, from 1250 - 1600, triggered this power shift.
He provides fascinating detail on many, varied topics such as the development of quantitative music notation (required to perform complex, polyphonic music) and the adoption of double entry bookkeeping. This last required the adoption of "Arabic" numerals before being feasible. Think about a ledger kept in Roman numerals.
There is much discussion about the adoption of the clock, too, which went from "mainframe" to "mini" to "personal" in about the same number of decades as the computer. The clock fostered early, mass awareness of quantity.
Money also catalyzed this process, as Europe converted from barter to a cash economy. Europe was fragmented into many small political entities, each with its own currency. Currency conversion was a major quantification exercise, spurring adoption of both Arabic numerals and eventually decimal notation. Again, consider the chore of doing this with Roman numerals and fractions.
So, if you read this book, you will acquire lots of terrific cocktail party chatterbits like the origin of the word "quintessence". It is also a very thoughtful study on some of the intellectual origins of our modern society.
Necessary but Inefficient.......2003-11-09
Professor Crosby has done a well written work on history of quantification and western society, but it's quite flawed on substance.
Crosby believes that there is a special "mentalite" which has driven Europeans to their "amazing success of European imperialism." He provides many examples on the "distinct" European mentalite which were not quite unique. Among them are
1) Ptolemy's grid map system which he believes to be of European Orgin. However, the Chinese scientist, Zhang heng, created the map grid system in China during Han dynasty and it was used in both city planning and navigation.
2) European double bookkeeping which he believes to be vital in European history because of its emphasis on accuracy and part of this mentalite. However, advance bookkeeping methods were also evident in merchants of the Islamic Gun Powder Empires.
In historic research, when one dedicates all his effort to find a particular trait in a culture, he will be bound to "find" it. As in Crosby's case, he tries to find this mentalite in Europe and he did find it. However, so can an Islamic, Chinese, Indian, scholar....if he looks hard enough.
An overview of the shaping of a technological world........1999-09-30
Crosby does a fantastic job covering a vast change in the overall society changes from 1250-1600. For the amount of vast knowledge packed in you'd think the book would be 3,000 pages. He brings us an interesting approach to the actual birth and uprise of modern techonology, arts and literature as we know it.
Interesting, well-written, and enlightening.......1999-09-08
Crosby takes on a very difficult and complicated subject here and manages a book of remarkable clarity and balance. The book is lightly written and though the footnotes were a bit distracting (I'd have preferred they be set out in an appendix) it's a fast, friendly read. I would recommend it to readers with a wide range of interests from general world or medieval European history, to those interested in the roots of western business practices, music history and notation, physics, astronomy, mathematics . . . Bravo, Mr. Crosby!
Book Description
This book offers a concise survey of Dutch history in the period of the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Book Description
A superb panorama of politics and war that brings together two classic volumes by Geyl: The Revolt of the Netherlands 1555-1609 and The Netherlands in the Seventeenth Century 1609-1648. Here is the story of the Netherlanders' epic struggle against Spain's might and the rise of the Dutch Republic--as well as important and still pressing issues about the relationship between religion and political action, complex questions of national identity, and the problems of a small country struggling to survive in a great-power world.
Customer Reviews:
An exceptional read.......2002-09-01
This combined two volumes (the revolt of the Netherlands and The Netherlands in the 17th Century). It is simply wonderful--well written, deeply researched, and ably presented. European history at its finest.
Book Description
This concise, full-color survey of Western civilization provides an exceptionally balanced survey of the political, social, and cultural development of Western civilization--its strengths and weaknesses, and the controversies surrounding it. Covers the major eras of Western civilization from England and France in the 17th century to the Cold War and the emergence of the New Europe. Focuses on several critical themes--1) the development of political freedom, constitutional government, and concern for the rule of law and individual rights; 2) the shifting relations among religion, society, and the state; 3) the development of science and technology and their expanding impact on thought, social institutions, and everyday life; 4) the major religious and intellectual currents that have shaped Western culture. For anyone interested in Western Civilization and European History.
Customer Reviews:
Easy to read and full of information.......2002-02-01
This Western Civilization book is full of information and is very easy to read, unlike some other books of the same subject. It presents information that you need to know and that you would've never known without this book. The coolest part is that you can take the quizzes and tests online instead of actually having to go to school!
Books:
- Trail of Tears
- Unburnable: A Novel
- What Life Was Like in the Lands of the Prophet: Islamic World, Ad 570-1405 (What Life Was Like)
- When, Where, Why, and How It Happened (Readers Digest)
- World History in Brief: Major Patterns of Change and Continuity, Volume I (to 1450) (Book Alone) (5th Edition)
- A History of World Societies: Since 1500
- A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
- A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 (New York Review Books Classics)
- Afro-American History: Primary Sources (History)
- After Fidel: Raul Castro and the Future of Cuba's Revolution
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Early Civilization
| Ancient
| History
| Subjects
| Books
The Western Heritage, Vol. 1: To 1740, Eighth Edition
The Heavenly City of the Eighteenth-Century Philosophers
Ten Days that Shook the World (Dover Value Editions)
The Western Heritage, Combined: TLC Ed. (4th Edition)
Western Civilizations: Renaissance to the Present
