Will Durant (1885–1981) was an American historian, philosopher, and writer, best known for his monumental work The Story of Civilization, a multi-volume history co-written with his wife, Ariel Durant. Over the course of their collaboration, the Durants aimed to make history and philosophy accessible to a general audience, synthesizing vast amounts of historical data and philosophical ideas into readable and compelling narratives. Their contribution to historical writing earned them the Pulitzer Prize in 1968, and they were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.

Durant’s earlier work, The Story of Philosophy, played a key role in popularizing philosophy in the early 20th century. He sought to break down the complexities of academic thought and bring it to the everyday reader. Throughout his career, Durant remained committed to making history and philosophy more approachable, bridging the gap between scholarly research and the general public. His books continue to influence generations of readers interested in the development of human thought and civilization.