Will Durant (1885–1981) was an American historian, philosopher, and writer best known for The Story of Civilization, an 11-volume series co-authored with his wife, Ariel Durant. His work aimed to make history and philosophy accessible to the general public, blending scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling.
Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Durant initially studied to become a priest but later shifted his focus to philosophy and teaching. His first major work, The Story of Philosophy (1926), became a bestseller and introduced millions to great thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Nietzsche. This success allowed him to devote his life to writing.
Durant's magnum opus, The Story of Civilization, published between 1935 and 1975, covers the history of Western and Eastern cultures, politics, religion, and philosophy. The series won a Pulitzer Prize in 1968 for Rousseau and Revolution. Durant was also a passionate advocate for human progress, democracy, and education.
He passed away on November 7, 1981, in Los Angeles. His ability to synthesize vast historical knowledge into readable narratives made him one of the most influential historians of the 20th century, and his works continue to educate and inspire readers worldwide.