A Study of History

Quick Facts: Who was A Study of History?

Subject:

A Study of History

Known for:

A monumental 12-volume universal history tracing the rise and fall of world civilizations.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

A Study of History is a 12-volume universal history by the British historian Arnold J. Toynbee, published from 1934 to 1961. It received enormous popular attention but according to historian Richard J. Evans, "enjoyed only a brief vogue before disappearing into the obscurity in which it has languished".

Career & Major Achievements

Toynbee's goal was to trace the development and decay of 19 or 21 world civilizations in the historical record, applying his model to each of these civilizations, detailing the stages through which they all pass: genesis, growth, time of troubles, universal state, and disintegration.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The 19 (or 21) major civilizations, as Toynbee sees them, are: Egyptian, Andean, Sumerian, Babylonic, Hittite, Minoan, Indic, Hindu, Syriac, Hellenic, Western, Orthodox Christian (having two branches: the main or Byzantine body and the Russian branch), Far Eastern (having two branches: the main or Chinese body and the Japanese-Korean branch), Islamic (having two branches which later merged: Arabic and Iranic), Mayan, Mexican and Yucatec.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1934: 1934 Milestone — Toynbee, published from 1934 to 1961.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: A Study of History

True or False: “The theory presented in A Study of History suggests that all major civilizations inevitably pass through a 'universal state' before total collapse.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the work details cycles, stating that *all* major civilizations *must* pass through a 'universal state' before collapse is an oversimplification and a common misconception regarding the rigidity of the model.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdullah Ibrahim — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Pianist and composer, considered the leading figure in the subgenre of Cape jazz.
• Abimael Guzmán — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Peruvian Maoist revolutionary leader, founder of the Shining Path.
• Aaron Sorkin — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Abderrahmane Sissako — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Mauritanian-born Malian film director known for themes of globalization and exile.

Frequently Asked Questions about A Study of History