The Story of Civilization

Book Details

• ISBN: 9788130714608
• Volumes: Set in 9 Volumes, 21 Parts
• Author: Will & Ariel Durant
• Pages: 9000 pp
• Year of Publishing: 2021
• Binding: Hardbound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant is one of the most comprehensive and accessible surveys of human history, spanning over 9,000 pages across nine volumes and 21 parts. The Durants aimed to present a sweeping narrative of civilization, not as a scholarly treatise but as a "composite history" that brings a vast array of historical knowledge to the educated public. This monumental work integrates a variety of disciplines, including politics, philosophy, economics, and culture, to offer a holistic view of human development from ancient civilizations to the modern world.

Will Durant's primary objective was to make history accessible rather than to create a definitive academic work, and as such, he acknowledged the inevitable errors and incompleteness that come with such a vast undertaking. Despite this, The Story of Civilization remains unmatched in its breadth and depth, offering insights into the rise and fall of empires, the evolution of ideas, and the transformative figures that shaped our world.

This extraordinary historical narrative continues to be an invaluable resource for readers seeking a deep, yet readable, understanding of the forces that have influenced civilization across the millennia. The Durants’ work remains a testament to the enduring power of history to illuminate the human experience.

Reviews:
“A monumental work of history that continues to inspire and educate, offering a rich narrative of humanity's journey through time.”
— The New York Review of Books

“An unparalleled historical survey, accessible to the general reader but rich in depth and insight, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the story of civilization.”
— The Chicago Tribune