Wednesday, January 25, 2006

A Bleg about Durant's Story of Civilization

I was wondering what Historians think/thought of Will Durant's The Story of Civilization series. I have one of the volumes--Age of Voltaire--but have read only portions (and not closely). I have read a few journal reviews that basically say the series is designed for the general reader and that it does a good job of presenting a comprehensive narrative of world history (albeit over 11 volumes!). Most of the reviewers say that scholars will always be able to pick some things apart, but that average folks are well served getting their history from Durant. Nonetheless, has the series held up over time and is it worth having in the bookshelf of your average Historian? TIA!

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