This text will appeal to instructors who want a brief, balanced text that integrates the social as well as political history of western civilization. The many historical documents and statistical tables incorporated into the text enhance the discussion of everyday life among rich and poor and men and women, and children through all periods of European history. As they learn about kingdoms, intellectual movements, and the fine arts, students will also discover much about famous and ordinary people, their family life, sexuality, life expectancy, and daily concerns.