Civilisation by Kenneth M. Clark is a landmark work of cultural history and one of the most influential studies of Western European heritage. Based on the celebrated BBC television series of the same name, this nonfiction classic presents Clark’s personal and insightful perspective on the evolution of Western civilisation after the fall of the Roman Empire. With clarity and elegance, Clark examines the ideas, achievements, and individuals that shaped European culture, from medieval monasteries and Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance art and the intellectual revolutions of the Enlightenment.
Through its engaging narrative, Civilisation highlights the creative forces that survived the collapse of the ancient world and laid the foundations for the modern age. Clark discusses how works of art, philosophy, architecture, and literature emerged as powerful expressions of human resilience and imagination. Along the way, he introduces readers to the artists, thinkers and rulers who helped shape Western identity, exploring how their contributions continue to influence contemporary life.
