The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume II: The Modern and Contemporary West

“The way Guelzo weaves faith, liberty, reason, and historical complexity into a coherent and accessible story creates a rich and thoughtful exploration of Western civilization that feels both rigorous and deeply human.” —Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies

A compelling, resource-rich history of the modern West—from the Renaissance to the present—designed for students and lifelong learners alike, and grounded in the enduring ideals of liberty, faith, and reason. This is Volume II of a two-part series tracing the story of Western civilization from antiquity to the modern age.