Good book that encompases the Enlightenment?

Books, comics, TV, music
1

After reading The Baroque Cycle and The Invention of Air, I really want to read a comprehensive yet entertaining historical book that covers the Enlightenment between the 1500s and 1700s.

I’ve been looking around Amazon, and I’m mostly finding textbooks. The two I’m considering so far are:

Anyone have any experience with either of these? Or recommend some others that they enjoyed?

I had Leviathan and the Air Pump recommended to me, and it sounds fantastic, but it’s $35… to which I could get two books for that price on the same subject. However, I am almost willing to spring for it as I’m definitely interested in it’s subject matter.

2

Will Durant’s history books are the best overviews I’ve found anywhere. The books immediately before & after the linked book also overlap into the time period you’re talking about.

3

Ah yes that seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks!

4

This is what I read in school; it’s one of the few non-primary sources I kept.

5

Here’s another vote for Durant. I have the whole collection and it makes for very entertaining reading.

I also like that in his prologues he comes across as if he was a hell of a nice guy; so casual about his massive undertaking.