In his long and distinguished life, Arnold Toynbee was best known for his magisterial ten-volume work, A Study of History. But he was no fossilized professor, for he served on the Peace Commissions following both world wars. He led an active life, traveled widely and knew everyone.Thus his book Experiences, published on his 80th birthday and sequel to the earlier Acquaintances, is a useful overview of major events that occurred in his lifetime, particularly the rapid change in science, technology, education and public affairs."A lively book, unique and valuable...the work of one thinker, for others." (The Evening Standard)
Not the same as Arnold Toynbee, economist and nephew of Arnold Joseph Toynbee
British educator Arnold Joseph Toynbee noted cyclical patterns in the growth and decline of civilizations for his 12-volume Study of History (1934-1961).
He went to Winchester college and Balliol college, Oxford.
From 1919 to 1924, Arnold J. Toynbee served as professor of modern Greek and Byzantine at King's college, London. From 1925, Oxford University Press published The Survey of International Affairs under the auspices of the royal institute of international affairs, and Toynbee, professor, oversaw the publication. From 1925, Toynbee served as research professor and director at the royal institute of international affairs. He published The Conduct of British Empire Foreign Relations since the Peace Settlement (1928).
Toynbee served as research professor and director at the royal institute of international affairs until 1955. People published best known lectures of Toynbee, professor, in memory of Adam Gifford as An Historian's Approach to Religion (1956). His massive work examined development and decay. He presented the rise and fall rather than nation-states or ethnic groups. According to his analysis, the welfare depends on ability to deal successfully with challenges.
I picked up this book because of the reference to a strange phenomena that I personally experienced years ago in Philadelphia -- The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles. I have to say that this book was a very interesting treatise on religion, philosophy, theology and the afterlife. I plan to read it again, because it is so full of information, it is difficult to digest in just one read. If you are interested in philosophy and the possibility of reincarnation and resurrection, this is the book for you.