The Essential World History: To 1500
"This text is very readable, even for the student who knows very little history and is not a strong reader. However, the text is not "watered-down." It still provides the critical information that all of the students need; it is simply stated in language that all of our students can read and understand. … Our previous text was full of facts and in-depth discussions. However, the chapters were long and dry, and the students simply would not read it! This text is short enough that the single mom with four kids who has gone back to school after fifteen years can actually find the time to read the chapters. I do not need a text that contains all of the information about a particular subject. Instead, I need a text that gives a general overview, and I can then elaborate on selected topics and fill in the gaps through lecture and other activities.""I was looking for a concise, visually engaging, and comprehensive (more global) text. These are strengths of [Duiker and Spielvogel].""[Strengths:] Breadth of coverage, primary source inclusion, and Internet supplement.""I think that thematic approaches to world history are becoming more and more common. … There are certainly certain themes--role of women, literacy and development of writing, changes in technology, role of the environment, role of religion in society--that would be very interesting. Indeed, my colleagues and I are using this approach already and so it would be nice to have a book that meets these needs.""I think this is a great plan. I am more likely to re-adopt the book in a 3rd edition with these changes."