Heroes of History: A Brief History of Civilization from Ancient Times to the Dawn of the Modern Age

Profound and thought-provoking. A really wonderful read, particularly for those who are well-read in the underlying topics he covers. Immersing yourself in his thought process is more important than accepting his conclusions.

This is a great short version of the history of civilization by Will Durant who was probably the most outstanding historian/philosopher of the 20th century. If you would enjoy a review or a quick education, this is the book to read. I enjoyed it immensely. And, for an even easier education on what I would call the "philosophy of history", I know I enjoyed, and think you will also enjoy, Norman Thomas Remick's "West Point: Character Leadership Education, A Book Developed From The Readings And Writings Of Thomas Jefferson".

Will Durant's "Heroes of History" is the product of many years of dutiful scholarship; and it provides a brilliant panorama of History's greatest figures from ancient times to the dawn of the Modern Era. Durant's composite sketch of history, from Iknahton to Pope Paul III, from Confucius to Christ, from Socrates to Bacon, from Sophocles to Shakespeare, from Pericles to Lorenzo de' Medici, covers all the vicissitudes and periods in history necessary for an understanding of Western Civilization. Although, as may be seen from some of the people listed above, Durant not only treats Western Civilization but briefly touches on Eastern Civilization as well, making this work magnificent in its scope. For a good general introduction--and basically for a summary of Durant's famed "Story of Civilization--to the most influential movements and famous personages in history, this work will be a definite reward.

One does not read Will Durant; one feels him. So vividly do the heroes come alive through words that one senses their presence, their vitality, their verve. Throw stones at some generalizations, but still take away images of history that put some ashcan writers of today in their proper receptacles. One yearns for more. Indeed, Heroes of History is an introduction, a précis, an anchoring preamble to meet those heroes in the real, in their own words and images. It will be good to return to the poignant poetry of Tagore, the sufferings of Job, the sensuous colors of artists, the corridors of philosophy, too long laid aside in the rush of living. Durant does that to you: his semantic cadences reawaken the desire to read more.One can only pause and say of this book: authentic tidings of persons who for good or evil, have left their mark.

This highly readable book of history is a group of essays written by renowned historian Will Durant. This book is more than a synopsis of his earlier, well-known series written with his wife Ariel.This makes excellent reading for the would-be history-buff or for someone who wants to understand how the human race has gotten to the point it's at today. I cannot emphasize enough how easy-to-read this text is and, yet, the details that bring history alive have not been boiled down into pablum.