Transition: A sentimental Story of One Mind and One Era

This is a fictionalized autobiography of Will Durant's early years (up until his 30's). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone interested in the life of one of our most recent well rounded scholars, as well as anyone looking for a reason for optimism in this world (anything by Durant will do for that!). I have and recommend the 1927 edition, mine is held together with some tape but it is a beautiful copy. The "Transition" he is speaking of is his own, from a catholic faith in God to a faith in humanity, and when that faltered, his love for his wife and learning. Eventually when his daughter is born at the end of the book he has a full return to joy. He tells the story of this transition as his own, but he believes it reflects what many in his generation were experiencing and really, the whole of western culture. Will Durant was picked at a young age by a catholic priest to enter the priesthood. It was a path he followed up into seminary. It was about his 25th year of life when he abandoned that track for his life. He was eager to test his beliefs in many environments and read outside the approved reading list. It was not an easy, or quick transition for him. His family and many others had given him much to help him be a man of faith, when his searching led him outside those realms there were at least a few people who were very upset. After being given the opportunity to teach in various catholic schools he found his way into a "free school", which allowed students to learn at their own pace in a non-coercive way. Most of the people there were anarchists, essentially transferring that non-coercive way of schooling into an idea of how government should be run. There is some good recollection of conversations he has with some of those anarchists and socialists as he begun getting opportunities to lecture here and there. At the free school he met his wife Ariel (a student, age 14!). He decided to resign from the school also with the goal of setting himself to more study. I can't remember if it was this book or his "Dual autobiography" (written with his wife) where he says he didn't think he would be useful to society for at least 5-6 years. He went to Columbia University to study Philosophy. Durant is very optimistic about humanity. He is a sincere believer in progress. Some might tell him to read more, or to experience more, but you would then discover he is one of the most well read people of, perhaps, all time. He went on a reading rampage after leaving seminary where he said he read an astronomical amount of books, much more than my own 80-something. This book is, like everything I have read of Durant's, a simple and accessible read for those interested in the topics.

I fell in love with Will Durant's writings when I began flipping through an old edition of his 11-Volume "History of Civilization" series, a monumental work. Durant's writing skills are exquisite, almost lyrical, and absorbing. All my life, I found history books to be dry and dull, almost like plumbers manuals. Durant had the gift of bringing it all to life. Durant's book "Transition" is his autobiography up to the time of his daughter's birth. It was originally published in 1927, and it reveals a great deal about his character. Durant had a brilliant mind, but as an idealistic young man, he was also a firebrand who had associations with people who were not merely counter-cultural or even revolutionary, but anarchists. He never quite stepped over the line into anarchy himself, but he flirted with those who did until he realized how self-defeating such an approach is. For ex., he tells the story about his trip to New York with 3 of his buddies to protest a political candidate. One of those friends actually brought a bomb, and ended up exploding the bomb in their hotel room. Durant was supremely fortunate to have survived that event with no real lasting injuries. Durant was always a self-admitted socialist, and he was critical of capitalism all his life. Nevertheless, he offered some deeply thought-provoking analyses of history that are very timely, and quite relevant to the present day. "Transition" shows us the man behind the thought, his human struggles, his loves, his mistakes and his regrets, and ultimately his growth in personal integrity. We learn how the revolutionary learned to use the power of historical insight to make the points that bombs and violence never could make.

I really liked the book. I finished it already. However, this is not the only thing I have read by this man. Although, it is an interesting story and well worth reading, I cannot put it in the same category with The Story of Civilization, or even with The Story of Philosophy. Yet, probably some folks would prefer it. I have a couple others that he wrote, and these are good too. You can't go wrong with this writer.

This is the story of Will Durant in his younger years. It is written so interestingly that I had a hard time putting it down. I generally like Will Durant’s history and philosophy books because they describe events and people in a very true and interesting way. He is just really a wonderful writer and I enjoyed every minute of reading this autobiography.

Well written, as are all of Durant's books. Thoroughly enjoyed.

It was in horrible condition. The binding is weak. There is writing on the title page. The book itself is awesome, but I cannot give a good review for a book in horrible condition. If you can find a new one, purchase it.

We were very pleased with it's condition.

This is an amazing story of deeply emotional and one of the most gifted individuals. It has the potential to touch the hearts of men.How acutely i too have felt for the double bereavement about which will durant speaks with eloquence and spontaneity.It speaks of a transition,which every individual,and the family undergo in the pursuit of the illusive concept of growth.It is imperative to have a fresh look at growth itself.In a celebrated book,'Tuesdays With Morrie',the author tells us to abandon the idea that more is good.If we can digest this,the compelling transition and the attendant pain and suffering may be avoided.The fever of growth and the inevitable transition it brings is brilliantly reflected in the book.A must read!!

A great autobiography of young Will Durant, if you want to know more about his life read his later Dual Autobiography