Book excerpt: Chronologically organized, The Western Humanities presents the cultural achievements of western civilization-- art, music, history, literature, theater, film and the other arts-- within their historical context. By examining the historical and material conditions that influenced the form and content of the arts and literature, the authors provide students a deeper understanding of the meaning of cultural works and a broader basis for appreciating the humanities. Hundreds of illustrations appear throughout the text, "Slices of Life" boxes bring to life the events of the day, and brief sections at the end of each chapter describe the cultural legacy of the era discussed.