An amazing course is highly recommended

This is probably the best course of the teaching company in one of the best non-fiction audiobooks, that are you ever listen to. You won’t regret listening to it for a single moment.

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Good but uneven in parts

An interesting but somewhat uneven summary of modern European history. Particularly the 20th century parts of the series were a little superficial and sadly dated in 2022.

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Near impossible task - decent try - bit personal

If you could sum up Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World in three words, what would they be?

Ambitious, intense, subjective.

What other book might you compare Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World to, and why?

The prequel. Much enjoyed - I recommended it. Foundations of Western Civilization I [Prof. Noble]. This covers the 4,500 years up to 1600. I found Prof Noble to be more objective and dispassionate than Prof Bucholz. It's also a period I knew less about. Prof Bucholz sometimes appeared to think that history should be a road of inevitable progress and ever more refined morality, and when there is a detour (or back step) it is a matter of personal regret and disappointment to him. I could hear the emotion in his voice. Clearly a decent bloke, but he enjoys amateur dramatics (in front of a "canned audience").

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration is usually chronological (from c.1600 to about c.2005), with the pace changing according to whether the period has particular points of importance to discuss. Something is discussed in detail - and then we get something closer to a list [e.g. "I'm now going to be going all around Europe"]. We probably have to have the lists in an ambitious history of this kind, but at times it can be a little tedious (battles, personalities, inventions etc) - especially if you are familiar with the material.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

At nearly 25 hours, probably not. It is broken up into convenient chunks.

Any additional comments?

There is a constant putting of personal views or contemporary morality on to history. When it isn't specific, it is in the voice, e.g. sadness, deep regret, cheering up. I often agree, but it is not necessary. A number of times I found myself muttering "Good grief". Here are some direct quotes:"there were no modern antibiotics in the time of the plague" and ".. at his time there was no internet, radio or television" (as they didn't have electricity, not that surprising)."By modern American standards ... " (judging the Spanish Armada)."If you don't believe this you are either wicked or an idiot" (Prof. - even if you feel the evidence is overwhelmingly one way, always allow the possibility for new information or scholarship, whether it be 10 or 100 years ahead).That said, Prof Bucholz is pleasant company, though a bit over-emotional. He had a very difficult (near impossible) job and gave it a go.

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4 people found this helpful

Superb listen

This was a fascination, informative and thoroughly engaging romp thru a 1000 years of history, well told by the professor. While a lot has happening since this was recorded it’s still a good listen for someone who values pluralism, equality and a belief that mankind is better and can achieve more when we work together not against each other.

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Great Stuff

Really Great Course!
A great course delivered by a truly great teacher.
You are really, and truly contributing to the betterment of the world at large.
Keep up the good works!

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Good overview but far too short.

I enjoyed this course immensely. It is very difficult to summarise this work into a coherent fashion. The content was good and covered much ground. I felt his final lecture was incoherent and unsatisfying. I feel that his sweeping generalisations such as that art and culture not fading were posed as strong rehrotical devices less so about the truth of what brings all things together. The reading sources would be most interesting to follow up on. I think I now have a good grasp of the prevailing factors in the West. We are each products of a bygone age.

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting

I found this audio interesting and informative. I would recommend this for anyone who loves history.

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Outstanding Course- Outstanding Delivery!

Not much to say, other than that this is one of the best (if not THE best ) courses I’ve listened to, and I’ve listened to many!

I flew through this course, like none before.

Highly recommend as an amazing summary of European history, but also as a lesson on how to conduct ourselves (and how not to) at every level, on this small planet, if we want to survive as a species!

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Fascinating

Anyone interested in how the west and the world got to where it is today, or how political movements formed or work, or just have a passing interest in humanity- this is for you.

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Made me love a period of history I never liked

I picked up this course purely because it was included in my membership. While I have enjoyed many of The Great Courses productions, I have never had any interest in post-medieval history. I particularly dislike the endless (and often seemingly pointless) series of wars that plagued Europe before and after the French Revolution.

I liked this course so much that I've listened to it twice on the trot. The first thing that struck me is that, unlike many other history courses, this one is extremely clear about its focus and limitations. Professor Bucholz is a clear, lively, and engaging presenter. The thing I liked the most, and which quickly won me over, is the combination of whats and whys - we are told not only what happened, but why, and how that lead to the next series of events.

If you already know modern European history, this course may be a bit light for you. But if, like me, you find conventional history books somewhat dreary and need a guide who can render the journey interesting, this course might be just what you need.

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1 person found this helpful