A text conceived from its inception to be brief, The West takes an idea-based approach to examine Western Civilization in the broadest possible terms. By placing Western Civilization in a larger context, The West helps students to better understand current events and to re-evaluate common assumptions. Going beyond the purview of traditional texts, The West urges students to think more deeply about the nature of civilized life by consistently relating historical developments to environmental contexts—both natural ecologies and cultural legacies. Finally, The West encourages students to relate the experiences of long-vanished peoples to their own lives by posing a “Larger Issue”—a question of broad scope or general significance—at the beginning of each chapter. Each “Larger Issue” provides a springboard for wide-ranging class discussions on the fundamental social and political issues in Western Civilization. The Portfolio Edition format features a concise, trade—like narrative for approximately 60% less cost to the student than a comprehensive text.