The Story of Civilization – 9 Volume Set (21 Parts) | Will & Ariel Durant

“The Story of Civilization” is not just a history book — it’s a composite history, written to make complex historical developments accessible for educated readers. Will Durant (and later Ariel Durant) spent decades crafting this series to cover politics, philosophy, religion, economics, culture, and social dynamics of different eras.

The 9-volume set (published in 21 separate parts in some editions) by Cosmo Publications offers over 9,000 pages of rich narrative and insight.

Volumes / Major Themes (in this set):

1. Our Oriental Heritage

2. The Life of Greece

3. Caesar and Christ

4. The Age of Faith

5. The Renaissance

6. The Reformation

7. The Age of Reason Begins

8. The Age of Louis XIV

9. The Age of Voltaire

Why This Set is Special

• Broad Scope: From ancient Eastern civilizations (India, China, Near East) to the height of European Enlightenment.

• Integrated History: Combines cultural, political, philosophical, and religious history.

• Readable & Engaging: Written for educated laypersons, not just academic historians.

• Timeless Value: A deeply reflective work on human progress, values, and the meaning of civilization.