This introductory volume to Thomas Cahill's 'The Hinges of History ®' series, presents the reader with a new way of looking history through the 'gift-givers', those who entrusted to our keeping one or more of the singular treasures that make up the heritage of the West. It covers the time period between the end of the classical period and the beginning of the medieval period, enabling us to look back to our ancient roots and forward to the making of the modern world. 245 pages with index. Softcover.