Summary
"In this page-turning, myth-busting history, acclaimed author Rodney Stark shows exactly why Western civilization triumphed over other cultures -- and why we all should be thankful it did."--Back cover. Full description
- Part I. Classical Beginnings (500 BC-AD 500)
- Stagnant Empires and the Greek "Miracle"
- Jerusalem's Rational God
- The Roman Interlude
- Part II. The Not-So-Dark Ages (500-1200)
- The Blessings of Disunity
- Northern Lights Over Christendom
- Freedom and Capitalism
- Part III. Medieval Transformations (1200-1500)
- Climate, Plague, and Social Change
- The Pursuit of Knowledge
- Industry, Trade, and Technology
- Discovering the World
- Part IV. The Dawn of Modernity (1500-1750)
- New World Conquests and Colonies
- The Golden Empire
- The Lutheran Reformation : Myths and Realities
- Exposing Muslim Illusions
- Science Comes of Age
- Part V. Modernity (1750- )
- The Industrial Revolution
- Liberty and Prosperity
- Globalization and Colonialism.