The Humanities provides an overview of the liberal arts, including literature, art, music, philosophy, and history. The book comes equipped with numerous pedagogical aids, including a web site that features 50-60 art images.

Each volume begins with a "Chronicle of Events," which provides a timetable of key events in world history. "Continuities" sections—which cover political life, religion, art, music, and writing—summarize each part of the text by reviewing the lasting contributions of each society.