A bestseller in its field, A History of Western Society examines the lives of both historical figures and ordinary people, using an engaging, lively writing style to capture students' interest. The authors pay careful attention to traditional political and cultural developments, providing a balanced, well-rounded view of Western history as a whole.

Designed to appeal to a more visual student body, the Seventh Edition devotes increased attention to cultural history. The text's photo and map programs have been enhanced, with a stronger relationship between the narrative and illustrations. Scholarly updates throughout the text include new information on Egyptian religion; a revised discussion of the polis and Greek democracy; new material on the origins of Christian sacraments; an expanded discussion on the Peace of God; a new exploration of the cultural consequences of the Crusades; updated scholarship on the Atlantic slave trade; and a revised discussion of nationalism.

The two-page "Images in Society" boxed features contain photo essays on three to five visual sources, with explanatory text describing the images and the information historians can derive from them.