I also like the Durants. I found their 11 volume set in the late 70s and really liked it. I re-read it in the early 80s. I found it very accessible even when I was just 12.

http://www.amazon.com/Story-Civiliz...p;s=books&qid=1238770499&sr=1-10

And this audio CD is great. The material in the CD includes interviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Will-Durant/dp/1572703962