Ancient tradition challenges the view that mankind is ever progressing from ape-like origins towards an apotheosis of humanity. The study of history tends to confirm the contrary thesis of a gradual descent from a golden age to an age of iron. Yet throughout history there have arisen societies that rise above decline to exhibit the characteristics of a high civilisation, where knowledge and art flourish and inspire later generations. The Advancement of Civilisation in the Western World seeks to portray these exemplary times of human genius, whilst showing them against the background of oft-recurring times of darkness. This is a series of 3 volumes which charts the advancement of civilisation from Ancient Egypt to the 20th Century through the study of great individuals or of ordinary people touched for a moment by a vision of greatness. All 3 can be purchased together here, or separately as individual volumes.