Written over the span of 40 years, Will and Ariel Durant began writing The Story of Civilization in 1935 with the intention of recording a history of the west from the dawn of civilization to the 20th century. With Fairbanks’ bookplate to each volume.

IV-XI are in the rare original dust jackets. First editions of each volume with the exception of I, V, VI which are early printings. The Durants and Fairbanks became close friends later in life and Fairbanks became a devoted collector of Durant’s work. Together, they cofounded Pickford-Fairbanks Studios and United Artists in Hollywood California, and in 1929 Mary was was awarded the second Academy Award for Best Actress for her first sound film role in Coquette at the 1st Academy Awards which Fairbanks hosted. With their marriage in 1920, the couple became “Hollywood royalty”, she earning the title “Queen of the Movies, and he “The King of Hollywood”. from Will Durant & Ariel.” The recipients, Douglas and Mary Lee Fairbanks, were pioneers in the American film industry and two of the most popular actors of their time. 19, 1966”, and to the flyleaf of The Age of Louis XIV, “To Douglas & Mary Lee enjoying their hospitality. The inscription on the half-title page of The Life of Greece reads, “To Douglas + Mary Lee with love from Will Durant 5-6-69 A great evening!”, to the flyleaf of The Age of Voltaire, “For Douglas & Mary Lee affectionately, from Will Durant & Ariel At the Bolton’s Sept. Presentation copies, each volume (with the exception IV and X) inscribed by William and Ariel Durant to Douglas and Mary Lee Fairbanks on various dates. Royal octavo, 11 volumes, cartographic endpapers, illustrated. Rare complete set of Durant’s monumental achievement with 10 volumes inscribed by him to “The King of Hollywood” Douglas Fairbanks. The Story of Civilization.ĭURANT, William and Ariel.

The story of civilization book set