Ariel Durant
Ariel Durant, born Chaya Kaufman on May 10, 1898, in Proskurov, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), was a Russian-born American researcher and writer who collaborated with her husband, Will Durant, on 'The Story of Civilization,' an extensive series documenting the history and philosophy of the Western world. Ariel played a crucial role in the research and writing of this series, contributing significantly to its depth and accuracy. Her partnership with Will was not only personal but deeply professional, and her intellectual contributions were vital to the success of their joint projects.
Ariel met Will Durant when she was a student at Ferrer Modern School in New York, where he taught. Despite their age difference, they shared a passion for understanding human history and philosophy, which led to their marriage in 1913. Ariel's education was informal and largely self-directed, influenced greatly by her collaboration with Will. Together, they embarked on extensive travels to research for their volumes, visiting numerous countries and immersing themselves in the cultures and histories that they wrote about.
Ariel Durant's work has been recognized alongside her husband's, and together they received several prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1968. Her role as a co-author and researcher was essential in shaping the narrative and scholarly depth of 'The Story of Civilization.' Ariel's contributions extend beyond her writing; she exemplified the potential of collaborative intellectual endeavors in historical and philosophical scholarship. She passed away on October 25, 1981, just two weeks before her husband, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the field of historical literature.