Knowra Will Durant Will Durant Will Durant (1885–1981) was an American historian and philosopher who coauthored the eleven-volume The Story of Civilization with his wife, Ariel Durant.
Ariel Durant : Ariel Durant (1898–1981) was an American historian who coauthored The Story of Civilization with Will Durant. She became Durant’s research partner and coauthor, sharing the work behind their history of civilization.
The Lessons of History : A 1968 book by Will and Ariel Durant that distills recurring patterns from their historical work. It presents the couple’s attempt to draw broad conclusions from the research behind their larger series.
Arnold J. Toynbee : Arnold J. Toynbee (1889–1975) was a British historian known for analyzing the rise and decline of civilizations. Toynbee also built a grand theory of civilizations, but organized historical change around challenge and response.
The Philosophy of History : The philosophy of history examines historical knowledge, patterns of change, and possible meanings in human events. Durant’s concluding reflections ask whether historical study can reveal recurring patterns in human affairs.
The Modern School : The Modern School was an anarchist-inspired educational movement that promoted progressive, nonreligious schooling. Durant taught at the Ferrer Modern School in New York before turning fully to public writing.
The Story of Civilization : An eleven-volume history of world civilization by Will and Ariel Durant, published from 1935 to 1975. This long-running series became the defining achievement of Durant’s historical writing.
Our Oriental Heritage : The first volume of The Story of Civilization, covering ancient Asian and Near Eastern societies. This volume shows how Durant began the series with civilizations beyond the classical West.
Oswald Spengler : Oswald Spengler (1880–1936) was a German historian and philosopher who proposed that civilizations follow life cycles. Spengler’s cyclical, deterministic model contrasts with Durant’s more varied account of historical forces.
Cultural history : Cultural history studies the beliefs, practices, arts, and meanings through which people shape social life. Durant treated art, religion, and customs as central evidence rather than ornament to political events.
Margaret Sanger : Margaret Sanger (1879–1966) was an American birth-control activist and advocate for reproductive rights. Durant taught at the Modern School, where Sanger was among the prominent figures in its radical educational milieu.
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