Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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."

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

I own this set and have read 5 volumes out of the 11. I look forward to the rest. This set is well worth the money. Yes, the books are a little out of date, but for most people that won't matter. The reason these books are so good is the Durant's approach to history. They write history with an integrated cultural, artistic, literary, philosophical, biographical approach. They focus on european/western civilization (except for the first volume). There are so many interesting characters and historical stories in these books. The Durant's also have a great sense of humor and pacing - even an 800-page book almost never drags. If you enjoy history, reading these large volumes is time well-spent.

This series is a classic with mountains of research and minutia. The detail is sweeping and the perspective is as close to unbiased as an historian can be. A must read for anyone interested in how things came to be in our current world. The underpinnings of our current successes and failures in government, religion, and society can be traced through the pages of this exquisite series.

The books were used as stated and dust jackets worn, some torn, but my husband didn't mind, said he would just throw the dust jackets away. Arrived rather quickly for media mail.

I finally decided to locate a set of these books for myself.
They arrived in excellent condition and I'm enjoying them now.
I look forward to many hours of reading pleasure.

FJForeman Ca.

I reeived exactly what I expected. It was shipped to me faster than was represented. I rate this as an excellent experience.