An historian's conscience

These letters of Arnold J. Toynbee—the first to be released for publication—create a dramatic and unique portrait of the eminent historian. Spanning his days as a student at Oxford in 1910 to his death in 1975, the letters chronicle Toynbee's private life and personal growth, primarily revealed in an intimate correspondence with Columba Cary-Elwes, a Benedictine monk and the teacher of his son. Toynbee writes vividly and honestly, describing in fresh and poignant prose the courting of his first wife, the birth of his elder sons, his son Tony's tragic death, England preparing for war, and London during the Battle of Britain. We follow him through his agonizing divorce, his remarriage, and finally all the color and glitter of his many travels.