A Study of History, Vol 12 : Reconsiderations

This volume completes a mission that began almost an year ago, when the first volume of ‘A Study of History’ was reviewed. The experience may be compared to one of the adventures of Sindbad, the Sailor. Even though on each occasion the protagonist had to face life threatening situations, every time he successfully tames them and comes out immensely rich. ‘A Study of History’ is like an ocean. Spread into twelve volumes – each one nearly twice the size of a regular paperback – the sheer volume was simply frightening at first. Typeset in small font and replete with Greek and French quotes, the book was no easy matter to sail through. There were occasions when tempests blocked the way in the form of long essays on one of Toynbee’s philosophical escapades. In moments like these, the reader must borrow some strength of will from the author himself as it took him a quarter of a century to research and complete the full series. There were times when the urge prompted me to stop midway as I had actually did in 2002, when the same project was abandoned midway, after completing volume 7A! But thirteen years is almost half a generation which steels the will. Also, it was a foregone conclusion that if I couldn’t complete the unabridged series now, it is going to be never! It turned out to be a most fulfilling moment to turn the last page and close the book for the last time.