At about the age of twenty I first picked up "Our Oriental Heritage" and began to read. I was immediately moved to bore those around me by reading long passages from the introduction. This began a long love affair with the Story of Civilization series. I have read all of them, some of them twice, and continue to dip into them for refreshment. I brought "The Renaissance" with me to Italy and found it an invaluable guide, one which led me to magical spots I would not have visited otherwise. In particular, I remember a vigorous argument with my mother over whether to visit the Scuola di San Rocco or the Doge's Palace. I read Durant's description of Tintoretto's tour de force and she capitulated immediately. She still thanks me for battering her resistance down with his eloquence.
Of course he has his faults. He is overly and selfconsciously gallant with regard to women, and sometimes chauvinistic. Ariel's influence moderates and modifies this as the series progresses, however. I also feel he has somewhat too optimistic a view of human nature, but perhaps my own overdeveloped cynicism clouds my judgement. All in all he is such pleasant company I smile at his faults and find them lovable. At the age of thirty six I continue to turn to him for advice as to what I should read and where I should travel. I shall always think of Will and Ariel as my friends.
