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nerdy_scholar's review
5.0
This book series is the most marvelous set of books I have ever read. Reading each book, I was shifted through time and place, from the earliest times of man on Earth to the zenith of French culture under Napoleon. Being strictly for the general reader, Durant provided in these works a substantial academic portion, with references to sources and suggestions for further readings on subjects discussed. The books may have their own prejudices, being written from an American's point of view. Here and there, Durant lets out a harsh judgment on Islam, Muhammad, the East, Turks and others, yet he renders himself neutral for the most part. To put it simply, this book series is all that one should read to understand all of human history to a certain degree.
nutmegger's review
5.0
While I can't actually say that I sat and read the entire collection, I have read quite a bit and have referred to the books many times over the years. I have also enjoyed other writings by the Durants.
dkevanstoronto's review
5.0
It feels funny and somewhat dishonest to say I have read these eleven books. The reason is that I can't imagine I will ever stop reading these volumes, they contain too much to absorb and it feels more like a living text, one that constantly surprises and informs no matter how often your read it.
The eleven volumes are in places difficult to read. Without question the perspective of Will and Ariel Durant are shaded into their writing. This perspective, although in no way racist or prejudiced, is irretrievably lost in the vagaries of early 20th century pseudo science prognostications on Race and Psychology. Despite this it is impossible not to find Will and Ariel Durant remarkably pleasant travel companions and guides to the history they cover.
As these volumes range though the history of what we may call Western Civilization you are confronted with what exactly that heritage means. It is no slight matter to get a grasp on this, and not one that lacks importance today. We only know where we are going if we have some idea where we are coming from. As many talk of the clash of civilizations, the diverse and contradictory heritage of Western Civilization is in fact brim full of accommodation to new ideas and an eclectic harmony with diverse cultures as shown adequately in these volumes.
The Durants do have their early 20th century perspective but they do not have an argument as such, and they more personify and make flesh the subjects they write about than give their own opinion. Belonging to the school of history that all history is just one damn thing after another, you are surprised how each one of those "damn facts" takes on a significance and interest. The Durants do this by establishing a very rich contextual setting for their subjects. You live the history.
This couple sustained each other on a fifty year journey to produce these eleven volumes. It is so well researched that it is an experience I have never had, nor do I suspect I shall find its like. Limited in so many ways, it is still a great starting point from which to understand the Western tradition as we move on in this era to understand from a global perspective incorporating other traditions as well.
[One small proviso. The first volume, "Our Oriental Heritage" contains much regarding civilizations and societies that has been superseded with new research and archeology. The theories of race and civilization may be offensive to many as well. For this reason I would suggest skipping the first bit, ignoring everything up to the Hebrews. His considerations may be quite wrong about everything from that point but particularly with India and China Durant is modest and respectful. Like always the reader will benefit from Durant's extensive research and will be able to take with it a good foundation for further study.]
The eleven volumes are in places difficult to read. Without question the perspective of Will and Ariel Durant are shaded into their writing. This perspective, although in no way racist or prejudiced, is irretrievably lost in the vagaries of early 20th century pseudo science prognostications on Race and Psychology. Despite this it is impossible not to find Will and Ariel Durant remarkably pleasant travel companions and guides to the history they cover.
As these volumes range though the history of what we may call Western Civilization you are confronted with what exactly that heritage means. It is no slight matter to get a grasp on this, and not one that lacks importance today. We only know where we are going if we have some idea where we are coming from. As many talk of the clash of civilizations, the diverse and contradictory heritage of Western Civilization is in fact brim full of accommodation to new ideas and an eclectic harmony with diverse cultures as shown adequately in these volumes.
The Durants do have their early 20th century perspective but they do not have an argument as such, and they more personify and make flesh the subjects they write about than give their own opinion. Belonging to the school of history that all history is just one damn thing after another, you are surprised how each one of those "damn facts" takes on a significance and interest. The Durants do this by establishing a very rich contextual setting for their subjects. You live the history.
This couple sustained each other on a fifty year journey to produce these eleven volumes. It is so well researched that it is an experience I have never had, nor do I suspect I shall find its like. Limited in so many ways, it is still a great starting point from which to understand the Western tradition as we move on in this era to understand from a global perspective incorporating other traditions as well.
[One small proviso. The first volume, "Our Oriental Heritage" contains much regarding civilizations and societies that has been superseded with new research and archeology. The theories of race and civilization may be offensive to many as well. For this reason I would suggest skipping the first bit, ignoring everything up to the Hebrews. His considerations may be quite wrong about everything from that point but particularly with India and China Durant is modest and respectful. Like always the reader will benefit from Durant's extensive research and will be able to take with it a good foundation for further study.]
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