All of history in one book
Western Civilizations is a great introduction to all major historical events and cultures culminating to the present time. As it covers so much material, it is surprisingly detailed, however it attempts the difficult task of doing justice to many topics. To supplement its possible brevity, the authors have compiled a helpful list of reading after each chapter including primary sources and modern commentary on each civilization. I would recommend this book for its introductory qualities to anyone having difficulty with history or ancient literature. It gives great perspective.