Civilisation

The classic international bestseller - a marvellously exciting and stimulating look at the emergence and development of Western civilisation.

Civilisation by Kenneth Clark presents a sweeping narrative on how Western Europe evolved in the wake of the collapse of the Roman Empire. It examines the ideas, books, buildings, works of art, and significant individuals that constitute our civilisation.

The author takes us on a journey from Iona in the ninth century to France in the twelfth, from Florence to Urbino, and from Germany to Rome, England, Holland, and America. Against these historical backdrops, Clark sketches an extraordinary cast of characters—the men and women who injected new energy into civilisation and expanded our understanding of the world and ourselves.

He also highlights the works of genius they produced—in architecture, sculpture, and painting; in philosophy, poetry, and music; and in science and engineering. From Raphael's School of Athens to the bridges of Brunel, these contributions are explored in depth.