The Western Tradition, Vol. 1: From the Ancient World to Louis XIV - Softcover

The following is from the author's Introduction: The passages gathered in this volume provide a reflection of the attitudes, ideas, or circumstances of the times which produced them. This book contains most of the classic texts to which teachers like to refer. It also contains passages which, in every section, lend themselves to discussion, argument, and various interpretations. In addition they are deliberately interspersed with illustrative material, which throws an intimate light on the life and problems of a given time and place without necessarily lending itself to discussion. Thus, in assignment, the teacher can pick and choose among passages that are illustrative or controversial. The documents in this book are evidence in the case of a Western Tradition and how it developed. The best history brings men and women to life. But in real life, these things happen and we live history in the making. The story outlined in these pages reflects the gradual progress of Western fold to greater self-consciousness and self-control, their repeated attempts to master not only themselves but the world around them. The discovery that evil is part of the world order, that we could not, apparently, by the mere use of our reason and will, build the good life uncorrupted, came as a shock to many, as the twentieth century advanced, human reason seemed unable to prevent wars, revolutions, while improved techniques served to make such conflicts vaster and bloodier than ever. Nor was the new order that followed upon them at least in the eyes of many, an improvement on the old. Few of course appreciate that they live in interesting times, for interesting times have a way of being uncomfortable times. Most people in all ages have lived lives that were insecure, troubled often scary. Many documents here bear evidence of that. Putting our own discomforts in historical perspective brings little consolation. But it may provide enlightenment, and that would be some help.