Will Durant
Will Durant, born William James Durant on November 5, 1885, in North Adams, Massachusetts, was an American writer, historian, and philosopher. He is best known for his work 'The Story of Civilization,' a comprehensive 11-volume series written in collaboration with his wife, Ariel Durant. This monumental work covers the history and philosophy of Western civilization. Durant pursued an interdisciplinary approach to understanding history and philosophy, aiming to make the lessons of history accessible to the average reader. His writing style combined scholarly rigor with a narrative approach that emphasized the continuity and progression of human events.
Durant's early career was marked by teaching, lecturing, and writing. He initially studied theology at St. Peter's College in New Jersey and later shifted his focus to philosophy, attending Harvard University. After his academic pursuits, Durant worked as a teacher and principal at Ferrer Modern School in New York City, where he developed his ideas about education and philosophy. His early works include 'The Story of Philosophy,' which became a bestseller and helped to finance his subsequent research and writing in collaboration with his wife.
Throughout his career, Durant was recognized for his contributions to the field of history and philosophy. He and Ariel were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1968 for 'Rousseau and Revolution,' the tenth volume of 'The Story of Civilization.' In 1977, they were also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Gerald Ford. Will Durant's efforts to synthesize a vast range of historical and philosophical material into coherent and accessible narratives have left a lasting impact on how history is approached and understood. He passed away on November 7, 1981, leaving behind a rich legacy of historical scholarship.