A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 1
1 Toynbee’s Allegations Refuted In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful We glorify Him and call down His Blessings on His Holy Messenger Arnold Toynbee was a famous British historian who enjoys much support in America, although in Britain his English critics have subjected him to scathing criticism. Many people consider him to be a leading authority in his field. The main reason for his fam e is his thirteen volumes `A Study of History’. There is no doubt that he has accomplished a very great literary and historical feat. In these thirteen volumes, Toynbee has written on the philosophy of history and covered the rise and fall of 26 civilizati ons. This book was completed over a period of thirty years stretching from 1931 to 1961. Several of Taynbee’s contemporaries and prominent religious leaders of his time have studied his book in great depth. They generally express the view that as far as th e recording of historical details is concerned, Toynbee has, to a great extent, executed the task faithfully. On the other hand, wherever he has expressed his own views his personal prejudices are prominent. Indeed, some critics of Toynbee’s historical res earch have expressed the view that his treatment of historical personalities is not only redundant, but also reflects personal enmity. For example: “Toynbee has been severely criticized by other historians.