Will Durant

Will Durant (1885-1981) was an American writer, historian, and philosopher best known for his enduring works The Story of Civilization and The History of Philosophy. His writings are still read and cherished today, and his books have become staples in many libraries.

Durant was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, as the eldest of five children. He was willing to explore questions from a young age and his formal education at St. Peter's College and Columbia University helped further his quest for understanding the world around him. After graduating, he taught at various universities in the United States before finally settling in California, where he wrote for various newspapers as editor and editorials.

Durant began writing professionally in the early 1920s with "The Story of Philosophy", which combined his interest in philosophy and history with that of popular culture and of contemporary criticism. His writings are noted for their depth and breadth of coverage, but also for their accessibility to anyone interested in those topics.

In the 1930s, Durant began writing his series "The Story of Civilization," which eventually became a multi-volume set of cultural and world history. This project was one of the most successful non-fiction series ever written, and it is still widely read today. The books cover the entire spectrum of human history, from the early civilizations to the modern age, giving readers an idea of how the world has evolved and changed.

Durant's later works focused more on philosophy and metaphysics. In his works he used the framework of history to explore how philosophy and religion were connected and how the two were integral to understanding the shape of the world.

Durant was highly respected for his works and was even awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1968. He wrote on many topics, but his focus was primarily on the philosophical connections between cultures throughout history. Even after his death, his writings remain influential, shaping the understanding of history and philosophy for generations to come.

Durant's works are valued for the depth of their analysis and the accessibility of the topics they cover. They serve as reminders of the importance of philosophy and history in our lives, and his stories will continue to be read and studied for many years to come. Will Durant was an important name in American popular culture and one of the greatest minds of his era. His contributions to understanding culture and history are still highly valued and appreciated today.