This authoritative book presents an engaging and accessible narrative account of the central developments in Western history to 1740. 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 One contains Chs. 1-15 of the Combined Volume: The Birth of Civilization; The Rise of Greek Civilization; Classical and Hellenistic Greece; Rome: From Republic to Empire; The Roman Empire; The Early Middle Ages: Creating a New European Society and Culture; The High Middle Ages; Medieval Society: Hierarchies, Towns, Universities, and Families; The Late Middle Ages: Social and Political Breakdown; Renaissance and Discovery; The Age of Reformation; The Age of Religious Wars; 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. For use by history career professionals.