Will and Ariel Durant's Story of Civilization

I have a complete set bought by my parents back in the day. I'm considering reading them based on things I've heard, especially the admiration expressed by Dan Carlin, and their incorporation of beautiful writing and philosophy rather than factual narrative alone.

Has anyone made it through the whole set, and would recommend doing the same? I love history and want to beef up my general background, but it is a massive undertaking.