The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time

By: Will Durant

Narrated by: John Little

Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Great book as always, beautifully written

Yeah, the narrator isn’t perfect, plus the sound seems to be of low quality. I’d put him on the level of a little bit better than a decent Livrovox reader (a site where volunteers read audiobooks). That having been said, the book is still worth a listen. Will Durant is a beautiful writer and seems somewhat informal in this book as he touches on significant people, works and moments in Western history. He touches on the East/Far East here and there, often (excessively actually) apologizing that he didn’t include more oriental material. Will Durant’s depth of knowledge is amazing however, in regards to history and people. He even glosses through 100 works he thinks people should read for a full education. This book will make you better understand history and appreciate expert historians , give it a listen.

A quick refresher course on the history of civilization

The content is incredible. The performance was rather fast for the heavy topics and opinions of the author. These type of opinions require a degree of resonance, because like it or not our minds are consumed by transitory dreck. Strong recommendation, use the pause button as needed, I did.

Accurate title

This book serves as a great reference guide starting point for expanding your knowledge on substantive matter

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

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.