Originally broadcast on BBC, Civilisation did not reach Canadian tv till 1971-72, when I was in my last university year, training to become a senior high English teacher. By this point, I had taken many English and History courses and taken a good introductory course in Western civilization (comprehensive textbook below). But Clark’s weekly series was amazing in that it was an attempted overview of European history and culture from after the Roman Empire to the early 20th century. It used examples of architecture, painting, sculpture, music, literature, and history to present the 13 different episodes illustrating different periods and eras of European culture. He also did a good job in focusing on the prominent central figures of the various times, the great men of history and the ideas and values they espoused.
Originally, I had seen the series on a cheap, small black and white set, and it was not until 40 years later that I saw it on a big screen in HD and in color. A more sublime experience ultimately. And I also thought back to how Clark had introduced me to many famous buildings, painters, classical composers, and more great writings and given a much larger context to frame my u studies and knowledge base. His series was a major information source, a steady mental workout and a reflective spiritual exercise. Lifelong learning this series; I have gone back to various periods and episodes many times over the year. I never cease to be impressed and somewhat overwhelmed by the enormity, insights, and collected wisdom of the series. BBC picked the right host, writer, and narrator for this memorable, timeless work of art.
The episodes and contents of each in chronological order:
There followed the best-selling book version which gave Clark a chance to edit and refine his texts. The book was illustrated by many plates in color and black-and-white. (The following are some of the main artworks referred to.)
As in the series, the following greats are featured: Alberti, Bach, Beethoven, Bernini, Botticelli, Brunel, Byron, Charlemagne, Constable, Courbet, Dante, David, Delacroix, Descartes, Duke of Berry, Durer, Erasmus, Gericault, Goethe, Hals, Handel, Haydn, Holbein, Leonardo da Vinci, Luther, Michelangelo, Millet, Montaigne, Mozart, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rodin, Rousseau, St. Francis of Assisi, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Turner, Van Eyck, Van Gogh, Vermeer, Voltaire, Watteau, Wordsworth, and Wren.
Last two pages of his book in which he reveals his values and beliefs and thoughts about the future of Western civilization:
Recommended for: university students today interested in Western culture and civilization, senior-high English, Art, and Social Studies teachers today trying to enhance their knowledge of historical contexts and Western civilization, adults interested in the Arts, and people generally interested in European history and culture. A perfect graduation gift for Faculty of Arts grads.