William H. McNeill
McNeill pioneered world history with The Rise of the West, tracing the interaction of civilizations across Eurasia over millennia. His concept of macro-parasitism and his attention to disease as a historical force were decades ahead of their time.
Works
- The Rise of the WestGlobal history tracing technological and cultural development of Western civilization
- Plagues and PeoplesHistory arguing epidemic diseases shaped human civilizations and social structures
- The Pursuit of PowerHistory examining military technology's role in geopolitical power and dominance
- The Human Condition
- A World HistoryComprehensive world history examining interactions of peoples and civilizations globally