The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time

By: Will Durant

Narrated by: John Little

Best-selling historian and philosopher Will Durant devoted his entire life to studying the most significant eras, individuals, and achievements of human history. Here is a summation of Durant's work, as he presents the best of world history, from "The One Hundred Best Books for an Education" to "The Ten Greatest Thinkers," "The Ten Greatest Poets," "The Ten Peaks of Human Progress," and "Twelve Vital Dates in Human History." Filled with Durant's renowned wit, knowledge, and unique ability to explain events in simple and exciting terms, it is a concise liberal arts education.©2003 John Little and the Estate of Will Durant; 2002 John Little, Monica Ariel Mihell, and William James Durant Easton (P)2003 The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

Critic reviews

"This compact work is a gem that elevates historical writing to the level of superb literature." (Booklist)
"[An] engaging, accessible book of essays...in prose peppered with biographical bon mots and excerpts of the world's loveliest poems. Lay folks especially will find this a delightful introduction to Durant's irrepressible style." (Publishers Weekly)

A powerful mind pondering mental giants

This reading flows along comfortably while delighting me with Durante’s edifying prose. I enjoyed the author’s candid weighing of his choices.

ogga

a wee bit gaudy in tone. but overall needed and inspiring. have a good day

An incredible reminder of what we should learn in school

I wish I knew more of every topic mentioned here. Schools should use this book as an outline of what they expect students to learn in elementary school middle school and high school.

Good summary book read way too fast

The biok, like all of Durant, is enlightening and hia selection of words is wonderul. It is like a Cliffs Notes of people, events and ideas. A good companion to other of his books. Unfortunately, the reader reas as if he were in a race to get it over with. I had to slow the rate of speed to absorb the beauty of Durants words that were speeding by. I recommend others do the same.

Not durant’s best

It has Durant’s ingrained eloquence and erudition. It is a topic beyond any serious book’s capacity.

Still worth the effort to listen. Thanks Amazon audible to make it available

Quick and easy

This book provides a few great lists of important people, books, and dates in history.

A conversation of Direction

Definitely helpful to those looking for help in uncovering where to direct their intellectual pursuit of knowledge. The section on poets did not interest me at all and was a waste of my time. I found the other recomendations were solid.

A fantastic compilation by Will Durant!

Great and quick guide to who you need to read or learn about to expand your knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in a continuous learning journey from any possible perspective or angle. So many possibilities for new learning from the great minds of our past.

Kinda like Wagner " not as bad as it sounds"

I bought this dispite the negative reviews. I am a total Durant fan. Read the History of the World, Yup that one.The first bit is great and engrossing, 100 greatest books does not make a great read. This might be better in hardcover. But have been through it twice and will plunge in again. I prefer books good for read after read, this qualifies , but you better like Durant.

INDIGESTIBLE

Too much to digest at the reader's pace. Some interesting ideas, but not worth the time.