Arnold Toynbee's Study of History, Part II: The Theory Discussed
E.E.Y. Hales outlines the theories of and challenges to the British socialist historian and philosopher.
In last month’s article we left Professor Toynbee dreaming that he clasped the foot of the crucifix over the high altar of the Abbey of Ampleforth and heard a voice saying: “Cling and Wait.”
This dream, or vision, provides the natural starting point for a discussion of his historical outlook because, as his critic in the Times Literary Supplement justly observed, his works are really the record of a soul’s pilgrimage in which this pelegrinus Wiccamicus,
“finding the by-ways of space and time ... filled with a beautiful, fascinating, yet deadly violence ... has clung all the more firmly to the foot of the Crucifix.”
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
