# Will Durant

> American historian, philosopher and writer (1885–1981)

**Wikidata**: [Q333911](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q333911)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Durant)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/will-durant

## Summary
Will Durant was an American historian, philosopher, and writer (1885–1981) known for his collaborative works with Ariel Durant, including the influential *The Story of Civilization* series. His contributions to historical and philosophical writing shaped modern academic discourse on world history and cultural evolution.

## Biography
- Born: November 5, 1885, in San Francisco, California, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Columbia University, University of California, and University of Paris (Sorbonne)
- Known for: Co-authoring *The Story of Civilization* series with Ariel Durant
- Employer(s): Columbia University, Saint Peter's University, Seton Hall University
- Field(s): History, Philosophy, Literary Criticism

## Contributions
- Co-authored *The Story of Civilization* (1935–1975), a landmark series that synthesized world history into a philosophical narrative, influencing generations of scholars and general readers.
- Published *The Lessons of History* (1937), a philosophical work that analyzed historical patterns to derive universal principles.
- Wrote *The Philosophy of History* (1935), exploring the relationship between history and philosophical thought.
- Contributed to *The World's Great Religions* (1935), a comparative study of major religious traditions.
- Authored *The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy* (1935), a detailed historical analysis of the Italian Renaissance.

## FAQs
**What was Will Durant known for?**
Will Durant was known for his collaborative works with Ariel Durant, particularly the *Story of Civilization* series, which synthesized world history into a philosophical narrative. He also wrote extensively on philosophy, religion, and the Renaissance.

**Where did Will Durant study?**
Will Durant attended Columbia University, the University of California, and the University of Paris (Sorbonne), where he pursued advanced studies in history and philosophy.

**What awards did Will Durant receive?**
Will Durant was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 and the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1964 for his contributions to historical and philosophical writing.

**Where did Will Durant teach?**
Will Durant taught at Columbia University, Saint Peter's University, and Seton Hall University, where he held prominent academic positions.

## Why They Matter
Will Durant's work with Ariel Durant revolutionized historical writing by integrating philosophy with world history, making complex historical narratives accessible to a broad audience. The *Story of Civilization* series became a foundational text in academic and popular discourse, influencing generations of scholars and thinkers. His emphasis on the philosophical underpinnings of history laid the groundwork for modern cultural studies and interdisciplinary approaches to historical analysis. Durant's legacy endures in the enduring relevance of his works, which continue to be studied and referenced in universities and cultural institutions worldwide.

## Notable For
- Co-author of the *Story of Civilization* series, a landmark in historical and philosophical writing.
- Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1963) and the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction (1964).
- Professor at Columbia University, Saint Peter's University, and Seton Hall University.
- Author of *The Lessons of History* (1937), a philosophical analysis of historical patterns.
- Contributor to *The World's Great Religions* (1935), a comparative study of major religious traditions.
- Published *The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy* (1935), a detailed historical analysis of the Italian Renaissance.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Will Durant was born on November 5, 1885, in San Francisco, California. He attended Columbia University, where he studied philosophy and literature, and later pursued advanced studies at the University of California and the University of Paris (Sorbonne). His academic background in philosophy and history laid the foundation for his later collaborative work with Ariel Durant.

### Collaborative Works and *The Story of Civilization*
Will Durant's most significant contribution was his collaboration with Ariel Durant on *The Story of Civilization*, a series of books published between 1935 and 1975. The series synthesized world history into a philosophical narrative, analyzing civilizations from ancient times to the modern era. The work became a cornerstone of historical and philosophical literature, influencing academic and popular discourse on world history.

### Philosophical and Historical Writing
In addition to his collaborative work, Will Durant authored several influential books, including *The Lessons of History* (1937), which analyzed historical patterns to derive universal principles, and *The Philosophy of History* (1935), which explored the relationship between history and philosophical thought. His writings on the Renaissance, such as *The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy* (1935), provided detailed historical analyses of the period.

### Academic Career and Teaching
Will Durant held prominent academic positions at Columbia University, Saint Peter's University, and Seton Hall University. His teaching and research focused on history, philosophy, and literary criticism, shaping the academic discourse of his time. His contributions to education and intellectual discourse were recognized through awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.

### Legacy and Influence
Will Durant's legacy endures in the enduring relevance of his works, which continue to be studied and referenced in universities and cultural institutions worldwide. His emphasis on the philosophical underpinnings of history laid the groundwork for modern cultural studies and interdisciplinary approaches to historical analysis. The *Story of Civilization* series remains a foundational text in academic and popular discourse on world history.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
6. [Source](https://www.pulitzer.org/prize-winners-by-category/223)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Durant, Will (05 November 1885–07 November 1981), America's foremost popularizers of history and philosophy.
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Munzinger Personen
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Will Durant | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL109674A/Will_Durant)
15. CONOR.SI
16. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
17. Treccani Philosophy
18. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
19. Catalogo of the National Library of India