Will Durant (1885-1981) was an American writer, historian, and philosopher, best known for his collaboration with his wife, Ariel Durant, on the monumental work “The Story of Civilization.” Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Durant attended Columbia University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy. He later pursued a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Paris but ultimately abandoned his studies to focus on writing.

Durant’s literary style is characterized by his ability to make complex historical events accessible to a wide audience. He believed in the importance of storytelling and narrative in conveying historical knowledge and sought to make history engaging and relatable. His works often explored the interplay between politics, culture, and philosophy, offering a comprehensive understanding of civilizations throughout history.

“The Story of Civilization,” a ten-volume series written by Durant and his wife, Ariel, is considered their most influential work. Spanning from ancient times to the 20th century, the series provides a comprehensive overview of human history, covering various civilizations and their contributions to the development of human society. Durant’s meticulous research, combined with his engaging writing style, made “The Story of Civilization” a landmark achievement in historical literature.