A Study of History by D.C. Somervell

A Study of History

Author: D.C. Somervell
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Edition: First Edition, 1957
Pages: 414

A Study of History by D.C. Somervell is a landmark condensation of Arnold J. Toynbee’s vast twelve-volume historical work into a coherent and readable form. First published in 1957 by Oxford University Press, this volume introduces readers to Toynbee’s sweeping vision of the rise and fall of civilizations, tracing broad patterns in world history through comparative analysis rather than traditional chronological narration.

Somervell’s abridgment preserves the intellectual rigor and philosophical depth of Toynbee’s original, while making its vast and complex ideas accessible to a wider audience. At its core, the book argues that civilizations grow through responses to challenges, and decline not from external pressures, but from a breakdown in their creative elite’s ability to adapt and lead. This provocative thesis redefines historical interpretation by focusing not on nation-states, but on dynamic cultural units.

Somervell’s scholarly expertise and clarity of expression ensure that this condensed edition remains faithful to Toynbee’s core arguments. The book moves through critical themes such as religion, ethics, war, and leadership, examining a wide range of civilizations including Western, Islamic, Hindu, Chinese, and more. It addresses questions of historical meaning, moral judgment, and the cyclical nature of societal development.

This volume is a vital contribution to philosophical history and historiography, blending scholarship with readable prose. It is suitable for students, historians, and general readers interested in understanding the underlying forces shaping human civilization across time.

• A condensed version of Arnold J. Toynbee’s 12-volume work, abridged by D.C. Somervell.

• Offers a comparative study of civilizations rather than a linear historical timeline.

• Explores the rise and fall of civilizations through cultural and spiritual lenses.

• Introduces Toynbee’s thesis that decline stems from internal failure, not external defeat.

• Covers major civilizations including Western, Islamic, Chinese, and more.

• Makes complex philosophical and historical theories accessible to general readers.

• Published by Oxford University Press, known for academic excellence.

• A foundational work in the fields of historiography and cultural theory.