The first textbook to present world history via social history, drawing on social science methods and research. This interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and comparative textbook is authored by distinguished scholars and experienced teachers, and offers expert scholarship on global history that is ideal for undergraduate students. Volume 2 takes us from the early modern period to speculation about the world in 2050, visiting diverse civilizations, nation-states, ecologies, and people along the journey through time and place. The book pays particular attention to the ways in which ordinary people lived through the great changes of their times, and how everyday experience connects to great political events and the commercial exchanges of an interconnected world. With 75 maps, 65 illustrations, timelines, boxes, and primary source extracts, the book enables students to use historical material and social science methodologies to analyze the events of the past, present, and future.
Charles Tilly Book order
This sociologist was a key figure in establishing and institutionalizing subfields like historical sociology, social science history, social movements, and contentious politics within contemporary social science. His prolific career included authoring over fifty books and approximately seven hundred academic articles. Through his extensive body of work, he profoundly shaped the understanding of social processes and historical change.







- 2015
- 2015
Historical Studies of Changing Fertility
- 402 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Focusing on the historical experiences of specific populations in Western Europe and North America, this volume features nine papers that explore the processes influencing changes in fertility patterns. The contributors analyze various findings, allowing for a reevaluation of conflicting hypotheses surrounding these demographic shifts, ultimately providing a deeper understanding of the factors that drive fertility changes in these regions.
- 2014
The Contentious French
- 500 pages
- 18 hours of reading
Focusing on the experiences of ordinary people rather than rulers, the book offers a fresh perspective on four centuries of modern French history. It examines how large-scale capitalism and the rise of a strong nation-state have impacted the lives of those in rural communities. Through this lens, the author highlights the struggles and resilience of the common folk as they navigate the profound changes in their society.
- 2014
Contentious Performances
- 254 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Focusing on collective struggles, this book provides an in-depth analysis of social movements in Great Britain from 1758 to 1834. It utilizes extensive evidence to explore the dynamics and impact of these movements, offering insights into the historical context and the evolution of popular resistance during this transformative period.
- 2014
Credit and Blame
- 196 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Exploring the intricacies of human relationships, Charles Tilly delves into the dynamics of credit and blame in his latest work. Building on his previous insights, he reveals the underlying motivations and justifications that shape our interactions and perceptions. Through this examination, Tilly challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of accountability and the excuses we often make, offering a deeper understanding of social behavior and human connections.
- 2011
Contention and Democracy in Europe, 1650 2000
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The book explores the intricate dynamics between democratization processes and contentious politics, examining how social movements, protests, and political conflicts shape democratic transitions. It delves into case studies that illustrate the impact of various forms of activism on political change, highlighting the role of citizen engagement and resistance in fostering democratic governance. Through this analysis, the author provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise during periods of political transformation.
- 2010
Trust and Rule
- 214 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Focusing on the processes of democratization and de-democratization, this 2005 work offers a crucial foundation for understanding the complexities of political transitions. It delves into the factors influencing these shifts, providing insights into historical contexts and contemporary implications. The book serves as a vital resource for scholars and students interested in political science and the dynamics of governance.
- 2010
Dynamics of Contention
- 412 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The book explores the significant growth in the study of social movements, revolutions, and democratization over the last twenty years. It delves into the key theories, methodologies, and case studies that have emerged in this field, highlighting how these phenomena shape societies and influence political change. By examining various movements and their impact on democracy, the author provides insights into the dynamics of collective action and the quest for social justice.
- 2010
The Politics of Collective Violence
- 290 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Exploring the roots of collective violence, this book examines diverse phenomena such as soccer hooliganism and September 11 through a historical lens. It highlights how social interactions lead to physical harm, driven by coordination among perpetrators. Charles Tilly posits that while collective violence is complex and unpredictable, it often stems from similar underlying causes. By identifying these factors, the work aims to provide insights into mitigating violence and fostering democratic societies with minimal harm. Tilly's extensive academic background enriches the analysis.
- 2008
The Oxford Handbook of Contextual Political Analysis
- 883 pages
- 31 hours of reading
This is part of a ten volume set of reference books offering authoritative and engaging critical overviews of the state of political science. This work explores the idea of context in politics from a number of angles, including philosophically psychologically, historically and culturally.