The Great Documents of Western Civilization [antikvár]

Foreword ONE OF THE most heartening of recent trends in the teaching of history has been the increasing use of source materials to supplement textbooks and instructors' lectures. While textbooks remain essential to give unity to a course, and lectures are even more necessary for interpretation and explanation, neither can give the student the sense of intimacy with events provided by originál documents. Who, for example, can have a real comprehension of the import of Magna Charta without reading the Charter itself, or understand the significance of the Edict of Nantes without examining its actual provisions? The book for which these paragraphs serve as an introduction presents a remarkable collection of materials illustrating the history of Western man from the rise of Christianity to the present day. With a rare sense of discrimination the author has chosen nearly all the significant documents which show the evolution of the contemporary world to what it is. The divisions, conflicts, failures, and triumphs in the struggle for laws and institutions that would bring peace and justice are skillfully exemplified in neat and suggestive array. The book fulfills a vitai need. Edward MgNall Burns Dr. Burns is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Rutgers University and former chairman of the department of history and political science. His book, Western Civilizations: Their History and Their Cultures, is regarded as a classic study. It is in use in many colleges and universities throughout the country.