Which Spielvogel?

[Cindy in C-ville]

The number of Spielvogel texts is a bit overwhelming! Should I just buy the 2005 version and be done with it. Or, will an older version work just as well? TIA!

Cindy

[Chris in VA]

I have a 5th edition on the SS board--I used it with great success while we did Omnibus 1 and 2.
It's a Western Civ comprehensive text. It was cheaper than the new ones! (6th edition is the newest).

[Janice in NJ]

You can check here to see all of the different variations of this book. No wonder we're confused:

http://academic.cengage.com/cengage/catalog.do?courseid=HI04&disciplinenumber=21&codeid=5F86&codeFlag=true

I use the 6th edition with TOG. ISBN-10: 0534646026
I believe that Omnibus I lists the page numbers for the 5th edition. (Not sure about Omnibus II.) Honestly this stuff doesn't change much from edition to edition. I think they keep releasing new editions in order to keep college students poor. But a smart mom knows that there isn't much new under the sun for most of ancient history. :001_smile: I buy used when I can so I have more money to spend on chocolate!

Either way, don't miss the "Companion Site" links - over to the right of each book. Here is the companion site for the 6th edition. Lots of freebie study aids.
http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&flag=student&product_isbn_issn=9780534646028&disciplinenumber=21

All this to say that Chris's used copy might be a good grab.

Have fun!

Peace,
Janice

Enjoy your little people
Enjoy your journey

[Lori D.]

Our 1st edition of Spielvogel's "Human Odyssey" (which includes Eastern culture histories not in Spielvogel's "Western Civ.") is in good shape, and we got it for $12 (including shipping!) from used books on Amazon. It's worked great for us because:

1. I wanted to get the broad picture of Eastern/Western cultures for the ancients this year.
2. I'm using it with an 8th & 9th grader, so I didn't need the college level Western Civ.
3. When we get to U.S. or Modern World History in 2 or 3 years, I can always get a more recent edition to include more recent history. (Ancient history hasn't changed much -- lol.)

Didn't know which Spielvogel you were looking for (Human Odyssey, high school level/more inclusive; or Western Civilizations, college level/more focused), but hope you find the one the fits best with your family! Warm regards, Lori D.