 A set of all 11 volumes | |
| Author | |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | History |
| Published | 1935–1975 |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 13,549 |
| ISBN | 978-1567310238 |
The Story of Civilization (1935–1975), by husband and wife Will and Ariel Durant, is an 11-volume set of books covering both Eastern and Western civilizations for the general reader, with a particular emphasis on European (Western) history.
The series was written over a span of four decades.
The first six volumes of The Story of Civilization are credited to Will Durant alone, with Ariel recognized only in the acknowledgements. Beginning with The Age of Reason Begins, Ariel is credited as a co-author. In the preface to the first volume, Durant states his intention to make the series in 5 volumes, although this would not turn out to be the case.[1]
The series won a Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1968 with the 10th volume in the series, Rousseau and Revolution.[2]
The volumes were best sellers and sold well for many years. Sets of them were frequently offered by book clubs. An unabridged audiobook production of all eleven volumes was produced by the Books on Tape company and was read by Alexander Adams (also known as Grover Gardner).[3]
- ^ "HISTORIAN WILL DURANT DIES; AUTHOR OF 'CIVILIZATION' SERIES". The New York Times. United Press International. 9 Nov 1981. Retrieved 28 Jan 2023.
- ^ "1968 Pulitzer Prizes". The Pulitzer Prices. Columbia University. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Ricciardelli, Michael (2018). "Historian and Philosopher Will Durant". Seton Hall University. Retrieved 28 January 2023.