A Study of History by Arnold J. Toynbee
"A Study of History" is an extensive 12-volume universal history, exploring the development and decay of world civilizations throughout the ages. The author proposes that civilizations rise and fall based on their responses to challenges, both physical and social. The book also puts forth the idea that religions play a crucial role in the rise of civilizations and that the failure of a civilization's creative power can lead to its decline. The work is renowned for its scholarly depth and its controversial theories about the cyclical nature of history.
The 1024th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 5th on The 50 Best Books of the Century (Intercollegiate Studies Institute)
- 45th on The Modern Library | 100 Best Nonfiction (The Modern Library)
- Recommended Books (Academy of Achievement)
- The Hundred Most Influential Books Since The War (WW2) (Central and East European Publishing Project)