Arnold Toynbee

Arnold J. Toynbee (1889–1975) was a British historian and writer best known for his multi-volume *A Study of History*. Educated at Balliol College, Oxford, he worked in academic and research roles and became associated with the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), where he served as Director of Studies. Toynbee also held the Koraes Chair of Modern Greek and Byzantine History, Language and Literature at King’s College London. His work examined the rise and decline of civilizations and sought broad patterns in world history. He published widely on international affairs and historical interpretation and remained an influential, debated figure in twentieth-century historiography.