The Story of Civilization

Wow, what a huge topic!

Actually, it's the title of a book series by Will and Ariel Durant, a herculean project that basically took their entire lives to write. More than just big (and big it is, encompassing 11 volumes and more than 10,000 pages), it is perhaps the most consistently well written tome I've ever experienced.

The Durants write with wonderful lightness, humour, eloquence and insight. They take an inexplicably large canvas and turn it into a delightful read.

Another key ingredient that makes The Story of Civilization stand out is their approach to history. Unlike so many historians that limit their writings to endless lists of battles, wars, coups and murders, the Durants take a much more rounded approach. Although the basic historical events are mentioned in outline, the focus of their work is always on the culture, art, literature and daily lives of the people themselves.

I started reading the Story several years back with the first volume, Our Oriential Heritage, originally published in 1935. Since then I've read the first four volumes (much of them twice), and intend to forge ahead through the remaining volumes over the next few years.

Anyone interested in culture, history, or basically how we got to where we are should take this series up at once!