William H McNeill, prize-winning world historian, dead at 98

NEW YORK (AP) - William H. McNeill, an award-winning world historian and author, has died.

McNeill died Friday in Torrington, Connecticut, at age 98. His death was confirmed by Steve Koppes, associate news director at the University of Chicago, where McNeill was a professor emeritus.

McNeill's "The Rise of the West" was among the most acclaimed works of the 20th century as it wove the history of civilizations worldwide into a single narrative.

William H McNeill, prize-winning world historian, dead at 98