The Story of Civilization: Part I – Our Oriental Heritage by Will Durant, published in 1935, is the first volume of a sweeping multi-volume history of human civilization. This book covers the development of Eastern cultures, focusing on the civilizations of Egypt, India, China, Japan, and Mesopotamia, as well as their contributions to philosophy, religion, art, government, and economics. Durant explores the origins of civilization, tracing humanity’s progress from primitive societies to the great ancient empires. He examines topics like agriculture, trade, law, literature, and social structures, emphasizing how these early cultures shaped the modern world. The book also discusses the influence of religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Written in an engaging, narrative style, Our Oriental Heritage provides both historical facts and Durant’s philosophical reflections, making history accessible and thought-provoking. It sets the foundation for the later volumes, which delve into Western civilizations.