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The Development of European Civilization

By: Kenneth R. Bartlett, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth R. Bartlett
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Publisher's summary

In almost every way that matters, historical Europe was the laboratory in which the world you now live in was conceived and tested. And you'll be living with the consequences for the rest of your life. These 48 lectures lead you through the doors of that laboratory and guide you through the development of Europe from the late Middle Ages through the eve of World War II.

As you follow Professor Bartlett through the dramatic story of European history, you'll learn about the major ideologies and "isms" that bubbled forth from Europe's constantly fermenting cauldron of debate and conflict, including absolutism, scientism, rationalism, capitalism, nationalism, liberalism, and totalitarianism. You'll investigate the forces that intermingled to create the Industrial Revolution and the accompanying economic and social upheavals that would, in turn, create so many more. You'll also make sense of the European ideologies of government, including the rule of law, the concept of "the consent of the governed," taxation, an independent judiciary, and other concepts. You'll explore the new roles for religion in European life, from the end of the traditional union of altar and throne to great upheavals such as the Protestant Reformation and the Great Schism. And you'll witness the evolution of the European class system, which influenced the social forces that swirled around it just as much as it was influenced by them.

Rather than offering a laundry list of dates, events, and famous individuals, Professor Bartlett leaves you instead with an understanding of historical and social causality. More important: He offers you the chance to experience Europe's development from a European perspective.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great Courses

What listeners say about The Development of European Civilization

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10/10 would recommend

I loved this course! I used it for studying for my AP European History class, and it was insanely helpful.

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9 people found this helpful

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Very good history here

Solid book with tons of facts and details…. Knows the Eritrean continent and history v well.

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Great experience

This is an excellent , intellectually based approach to European history. The professor is in full command. There is not a single boring lecture: all are stimulating. There are facts, but it is ideas which are emphasized. I recommend it very highly. I will listen to it again, I'm sure.

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Excellent survey course

Professor Bartlett organized his course around the religious, social and scientific beliefs and theories that emerged and morphed during the long period under review. The emerging value systems challenged the orthodoxy of the time and explain the conflicts and insurrections that mark Europe's history and justify its characterization as "the dangerous continent."
Professor Bartlett's lectures were well organized and well-delivered with occasional snippets of wry humor. A very competent treatment of the subject matter!

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The Development of Some European Civilizarion

A fine job with the dominant European cultures, such as Britain, France, and Germany, with less emphasis on the other European states.

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Interesting synthesis

What other book might you compare The Development of European Civilization to and why?

Along the lines of a Western Civ class.

Any additional comments?

Along the lines of a Western Civ class. The professor does a great job discussing the underlying developments and themes of European history.

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Fascinating high level tour of historical Europe

Prof. Bartlett gives a set of fascinating lectures on European history and civilization. He has a wonderful lecturing voice and the lectures are well planned and very interesting.

From my perspective, it would help to have some background in European history first, so I wouldn't use this as a first lecture series for a homeschooler or someone new to European history. (I would recommend as an intro Daileader's three- part series on the middle ages and Bartlett's series on the Italian Renaissance.)

This was one of my favorite courses to listen to in the evening while winding down.

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Gives good background but very narrow

Bartlett seems to think Europe was all about organized religion. He covers well the importance of the Italian peninsula. Since his Ph.D. Is from the same university as his job, His knowledge is very much a product of educational inbreeding.

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Just Great!

Where does The Development of European Civilization rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was easy to understand and follow.
I love History and the way it has been presented.

Any additional comments?

Congratulations to Professor Kenneth R. for a great work!

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Development of European Civi

Full of great information. I love history and this is very good. Wish I could remember half of what Dr. Bartlett says! Definitely recommend this course.

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