"The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West" by Robert E. Anderson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the history and culture of various extinct civilizations in the Americas, including significant topics such as pre-Columbian discoveries, the Aztecs, and the Norse explorations of North America. It offers an in-depth analysis of how these civilizations contributed to shaping the region's history and the transformative impact of European contact. The opening of the work sets the stage for a thorough examination of the epochs leading to the Renaissance and the subsequent exploration of the New World. Anderson presents the context of 15th-century Europe while detailing early beliefs about geography and civilization, emphasizing the misconceptions that hindered exploration. The introduction hints at upcoming chapters that will discuss the Norse discovery of America, the Aztecs' civilization, and the implications of these historical developments, suggesting a rich tapestry of narratives that will enlighten readers on the remarkable yet often overlooked civilizations that once thrived in the West. (This is an automatically generated summary.)