My AP European History students are required to purchase this book - and we basically read it from cover to cover. I have looked at literally hundreds of primary source readers - and can honestly say, this book is the best. The great thing about this book is that it weaves together primary source material with outstanding commentary and interpretation.

The selections are short but normally they contain the basic idea of each thinker. In here you can find all sorts of thinkers; philosophers, artists, scientists, theologians, and literary figures. If they impacted Western civilization - they will probably be included in this volume.

Pretty inexpensive volume - just think about it, you get to converse with some of the greatests minds that have ever lived. Not a bad way to spend an evening. :o)

Baumer crusades to teach us from a historical perspective why we think the way we do -- much as genealogies teach us about the way we look and act. While my interests lie in economics, Baumer's narratives on developments of western thought provide a relevant and thoughtful backdrop. Why not, of course, the study of economics is all about the study of human behavior.

This anthology is a must-have for any student or teacher of Western history. Its impeccably selected collection of excerpts from all fields of study makes it an invaluable resource for capturing the essence of any era in modern history.