KEY BENEFIT: This book explains why western civilization is worth knowing about. Taking a topical approach and stressing social and cultural themes, it asks, "What is the West?" and incorporates significant discussions of peoples and civilizations outside the boundaries of the West. KEY TOPICS: Provides coverage of Western civilization from the first civilizations of Prehistory through the origins of the West to its development and expansion into what is currently considered the Western world. MARKET: For social studies enthusiasts, historians and cultural development professionals.