In 1966 BBC Television embarked on its most ambitious documentary series to date. The eminent art historian
Lord 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.
From the fall of the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, Clark's compelling narrative is
accompanied by breathtaking colour photography of Europe's greatest landmarks. This 'history of ideas as
illustrated by art and music' remains the benchmark for the numerous programmes it inspired.