The Story of Civilization [Volumes 1 to 11] (Hardcover Set 1963-1975) [Hardcover]

Will & Ariel Durant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1963

Vol 1 Our Oriental Heritage Vol 2 The Life of Greece Vol 3 Caesar and Christ Vol 4 The Age of Faith Vol 5 The Renaissance Vol 6 The Reformation Vol 7 The Age of Reason Begins Vol 8 The Age of Louis XIV Vol 9 The Age of Voltaire Vol 10 Rousseau and Revolution Vol 11 The Age of Napoleon

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (1963)
• ASIN: B000OEA066
• Product Dimensions: 16 x 12.3 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 36.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #179,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing set, October 3, 2009

By 

TxTrish (Not in TX anymore Toto) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Civilization [Volumes 1 to 11] (Hardcover Set 1963-1975) (Hardcover)

I have read this entire set over the years and return to it again and again. We use it in our homeschool and my teens have also enjoyed the style and content of Mr & Mrs Durants Story of Civilization.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anybody Can Make History, January 12, 2009

By 

Edwin C. Pauzer (New York City) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Story of Civilization [Volumes 1 to 11] (Hardcover Set 1963-1975) (Hardcover)

This is one set you don't give away, but I almost did in a moment of irrational derangement. "The Story of Civilization" is a rich detail of the history of civilization where husband wrote most of the volumes, but was joined by his wife on subsequent ones.

The Durants write an in-depth account of civilizations that might be a bit intimidating for the average reader. The good part is that it can be read at non-threatening intervals over a lifetime because it is a reference you don't want to be without. (Years ago, I joined a book club; this or an Oxford Unabridged was the choice for the $2.95 come-on. It was a no-brainer).

The story of these two authors who collaborated on a number of works is equally enthralling as teacher married student. She put on her roller skates so she could get to her own wedding faster. (She was 15 at the time and it was 1913). Will and Ariel Durant died thirteen days apart from each other in 1981, after 68 years of marriage.

This is worth reading and keeping. It will surely last longer than your rollerskates, and will end up being worth a lot more.

As Oscar Wilde said, "Anybody can make history, only a great man [or a woman] can write it."

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This for Later Reading, May 29, 2008

By 

Robert D. Steele (Oakton, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Story of Civilization [Volumes 1 to 11] (Hardcover Set 1963-1975) (Hardcover)

I own this set. As I pass through the 55-year old mark, I keep coming back to it and will read it from start to finish one day. The price is a bargain.

If you want just a taste of the rich content, buy The Lessons of History.

Two other major works I recommend are:

The leadership of civilization building: Administrative and civilization theory, symbolic dialogue, and citizen skills for the 21st century
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas, Updated Edition