Although it does tend to ignore some areas of the world and understate others, what it does cover, it does beautifully and thoroughly. Some volumes more out of date than others (Ex: the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo is in Volume 1). The loving detail and writing is a treat though. This set is very much worth it. ( )

Excellent historical writing by a premier historian. ( )

Vols. 7- by Will and Ariel Durant. Includes bibliographies. 1. Our oriental heritage; being a history of civilization in Egypt and the Near East to the death of Alexander, and in India, China and Japan from the beginning of our own day; with an introduction on the nature and foundations of civilization.--2. The life of Greece; being a history of Greek civilization from the beginnings, and of civilization in the Near East from the death of Alexander, to the Roman conquest; with an introduction on the prehistoric culture of Crete.--3. Caesar and Christ, a history of Roman civilization and of Christianity from their beginnings to A.D. 325.--4. The age of Faith; a history of medieval civilization (Christian, Islamic, and Judaic) from Constantine to Dante, A.D. 325-1300.--5. The Renaissance; a history of civilization in Italy from 1304-1576 A.D.--6. The Reformation.--7. The Age of Reason begins, 1558-1648.--8. The age of Louis XIV, 1648-1715.--9. The age of Voltaire; a history of civlization in Western Europe from 1715 to 1756, with special emphasis on the conflict between religion and philosophy.--10. Rousseau and revolution; a history of civilization in France, England, and Germany from 1756, and in the remainder of Europe from 1715 to 1789.--11. The age of Napoleon; a history of European civilization from 1789 to 1815. ( )

Fabulous read for historians--my first "great books" reading decision and I have never regretted the time spent reading through the entire series ( )

11 volume series that covers the history of mankind. Exhaustive, but well written, illustrated, and thorough. ( )