A dual autobiography
by Durant, Will, 1885-1981; Durant, Ariel, joint author; Paul Avrich Collection (Library of Congress) DLC
Publication date 1977
Topics Durant, Will, 1885-1981, Durant, Ariel, Historians
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Owen D. Symes
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, interesting, and quite human.
Reviewed in the United States on 8 August 2013
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Having read the first four volumes of their monumental "Story of Civilization" series, I approached the Durants' autobiography with more than a little excitement. I was extremely curious as to how their lives developed together, how they worked in tandem, how they managed to write so much about so many things.
I was not disappointed. The organization and tone were generally charming, clear, even warm. The authors not infrequently ended a section by calling on the other to pick up their end of a recollection, fill in a blank in their memory, etc., something that I found quite amusing and delightful. The style is clear, lucid, readable, and usually devoid of the flare I enjoyed in their historical works. This change struck me as understandable given the difference in genre.
The only thing I found at all dull about their odd and, with the benefit of hindsight, lovely romance, their historical labors, and their many travels was that the narrative sometimes got bogged down in the quotation of Will Durant's letters which, by their own admission, might interest only the authors. As they admit from the get go, however, this book was written partly out of a very human vanity; it is thus a forgivable error of style on their part that they include overlong quotations from letters they both doubtless found pregnant with significance.
Overall, then, I found the book by turns a charming romance, a keen reflection on historical method, a liberal commentary on different political events--mostly their opinions on American presidents, a thoughtful reflection on the cycle of man's life and his civilization written by two thoughtful, opinionated, flawed but ultimately endearing people.
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Emilio Sanchez
5.0 out of 5 stars Joint autobiography of influential historians
Reviewed in the United States on 16 October 2022
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For any readers who own the set, or several volumes of "The Story of Civilization" by Will and Ariel Durant, this joint autobiography will be a good addition to your library. It gives glimpses into early 20th century east coast American culture (I'm a Californian), a world very different than our modern world. They also tell the story of how their collaboration began and the genesis and carrying out of the writing and publishing of the Story of Civilization set. The Durants were honored with the Medal of Freedom by president Ford, before their passing. The medal was well deserved.
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R. George
5.0 out of 5 stars Will and Ariel are an admirable team
Reviewed in the United States on 8 July 2013
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In this autobiography the Durants' philosophies are explored along with their incredible lives. These winners of a Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom lived from the 19th century until 1981. During their lives they met and befriended philosophers, authors, historians, actors, and presidents. If you love philosophy, theology, and history--including very recent history as the Durants traverse the decades of the 20th century--this is a must-read. Caution: You may be tempted to begin collecting their entire body of work, including the phenomenal, entertaining, accessible, 11-volume set "The Story of Civilization."
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HelmutS
5.0 out of 5 stars A great insight to probably the greatest historical/philosophy authors of all ...
Reviewed in the United States on 3 March 2016
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A great insight to probably the greatest historical/philosophy authors of all time. I read their books 50 years ago and they are just as
"actual" in today's time. If you read their whole series you have much better understanding about today's unstable climate. Reading their personal life gives a fantastic insight to a truly brilliant timeless couple. Am glad my university professors made me read their books!
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Alan R. Soddy
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for Will Durant fans.
Reviewed in the United States on 23 July 2016
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I am a Will Durant fan--have read nearly everything he published. This dual autobiography truly helped me understand the man and the remarkable role his wife Ariel played in his life. Thier story reads like fiction and would make a wonderful book and/or movie. Highly recommend.
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Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great condition
Reviewed in the United States on 7 December 2011
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The book is in great condition for its age. It was like it was never read. The autobiography is interesting, especially if you read the Story of Civilization (I include the Lessons of History in the Story of Civilization)and the Story of Philosophy.
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The Hikemaster
2.0 out of 5 stars like how he was able to do all that writing
Reviewed in the United States on 18 July 2015
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mostly just a series of letter to and from each of them--was expecting much more, like how he was able to do all that writing, etc etc
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David H. Eisenberg
3.0 out of 5 stars They are great achievements and Will Durant was a great man
Reviewed in the United States on 25 August 2016
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First let me say that The Story of Philosophy and The Story of Civilization are coming with me on the dessert island. They are great achievements and Will Durant was a great man. I'm not giving Ariel short shrift, but obviously the greater achievement is his.
That being said, I thought this book was eh. I have read some other of his later works and there was a value to them, but I wouldn't call them great books. I found the beginning chapters riveting. Watching them grow up, their romance and early years was eye opening. They are not who you woul expect and suffer from many of the same insecurities as the rest of the world. I have long known that they began their romance when she was - by today's standards - a child, and he might be deemed sick or a molester. But, at that time the objection from family seemed to be his different religion. She had, of course, much more growing up to do than he did, and her running away seems funny in retrospect, but I imagine was terrifying at the time.
I admit to a completely unsubstantiated doubt as to their sexual fidelity, based completely on their own telling of their story, but, I would be disappointed if someone said the same about me based on circumstances. The instance when Will allowed her to crawl into bed with another man (who rebuffed her) supposedly for non-sexual purposes was more than a little suspicious. But, when there is smoke, there is not always fire.
However, after they started having success, the book became almost like a gossipy Hollywood name-dropping orgy. There's nothing wrong with them meeting or liking all these people. Celebrities love celebrities as much as everyone else and they had access.
He has told here some of his political journey. My copy of his Transitions, which I believe will go deeper into that, has arrived. One of his last books, in which they shared some collective "wisdom," made him look like a capitalist, but obviously, he was primarily a lapsed socialist who had moderated some of his stronger beliefs (early in life, she went to an anarchist-run school). In fact, I'm not sure that what we have now is not mostly what he envisioned. But, I do not expect economic wisdom from historians, philosophers or scientists and I am happy to disagree with him and find him a "god" among historians.
One of the more endearing qualities of the book was the humility with which they admitted their criticisms and even published them here. They used the criticism to improve the work in a later edition. That is the edition I wrote. I am sure, as he admitted and as his critics argued, there are errors. So, what? Given what he accomplished in his "synthetic history" and rendering unreadable philosophy readable, mistakes seem to me completely natural and understandable. One of my favorite sentences in TSOC is "you can't read everything."
My other favorite part of the book was he many letters he wrote that dealt with a variety of subjects. It broke up the later tedium of the narrative and felt more vital.
I will recommend this book to those who love him or them. I would not recommend it to anyone else who did not have an interest in AN early 20th century romance and NYC, but the first part was riveting.
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Lynda J. Babcock
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! Easy transaction
Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2013
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I have been trying to find this book for the last 10 years. I am very happy with the purchase. It is in very, very good condition. Thanks
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MB
5.0 out of 5 stars Will and Ariel Durant
Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2013
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Excellent autobiography of 2 fascinating people. Easy reading - easier than their 11 volume histories. Anyone who has read the histories would enjoy this book.
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