Civilisation (1969)
BBC

Description

The eminent art historian Sir Kenneth Clark was commissioned to write and present an epic examination of Western European culture, defining what he considered to be the crucial phases of its development. Civilisation: A Personal View by Lord Clark would be more than two years in the making, with filming in over 100 locations across 13 countries. The lavish series was hailed as a masterpiece when it was first transmitted in 1969.

Tags

Western European culture

Collected reviews and ratings

9.0 Amazon user reviews

Lucid, engaging, and comprehensive does not adequately describe Sir Kenneth Clark's magnificent survey into Western Civilization. For a series over 40 years old, the audio is remastered, the transfers are remarkably clean, and the content and opinions of the host hardly seem dated.
Read full review (DVD)

8.8 DVD Verdict | Mike Pinsky

Kenneth Clark, eminent British art professor, takes the approach of most mainstream thinkers of his time, that history is guided by great individuals, and their accomplishments can be marked by the products they made. Civilisation is not so much a survey of great ideas. It is a survey of great stuff. Monumental architecture, powerful statuary, profound art, clever inventions—these are the artifacts that prove the triumph of western culture.
Read full review (DVD)

6.0 DVD Talk | Holly E. Ordway

Civilisation didn't live up to my hopes as a history program; oddly it's both too broad and shallow, and too narrowly focused. The "A Personal View" subtitle gives some forewarning in that respect: this really is just one person's take on the subject. A very well-informed and interesting person, to be sure, but just one.
Read full review (DVD)