Books matching: black death
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A compulsively readable, human-focused history of the Black Death - more of an emotional journey than an exhaustive academic study. Expect vibrant anecdotes, a few creative liberties, and plenty of fascinating, grisly detail.
'The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time' by John Kelly is a detailed account of the Black Death in the 14th century. The author delves into the devastating impact of the plague, tracing its origins in Asia and its spread through Europe. Kelly provides a comprehensive exploration of the social, economic, and political effects of the Black Death, highlighting the day-to-day struggles of individuals during this catastrophic time period. weaves together historical facts with personal narratives, offering a vivid portrayal of the horrors faced by people living through the plague.
FEODOSIYA SITS ON THE EASTERN COAST OF THE CRIMEA, A RECTANGULAR spit of land where the Eurasian steppe stops to dip its toe into the Black Sea. Today the city is a rusty wasteland of post-Soviet deca...2005•420 pages An entertaining, if highly unorthodox, romp through the chaos and consequences of the Black Death. Great for sparking curiosity - but take the facts (and the tangents) with a big grain of salt.
"In the Wake of the Plague: The Black Death and the World It Made" by Norman F. Cantor delves into the historical consequences of the Black Death in the 14th century. The author explores how the plague spread, its impact on society, and the changes it brought about, particularly in England. Cantor intertwines stories of those who succumbed to the disease and those who survived, providing insights into how people coped with the catastrophe. However, some readers found the book to be disjointed, containing tangential ramblings and speculative theories on the plague's cause, which detracted from the overall reading experience.
In the England of 1500 children were singing a rhyme and playing a game called “Ring Around the Rosies.” When I grew up in Canada in the 1940s children holding hands in a circle still moved around and...April 2001•258 pages- #3
Save:A moving, richly detailed time-travel novel that’s equal parts historical drama and philosophical meditation - absolutely gripping for fans of immersive stories, but a bit slow for those who crave breakneck pacing or hard sci-fi. Worth reading for the emotional punch and historical ambiance.
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is a time-travel science fiction novel that intertwines two timelines - one in the near future at Oxford University, where a historian named Kivrin is sent back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the year 1348 during the Black Death. Meanwhile, a contemporary viral outbreak adds a layer of complexity to the story, creating a sense of urgency and suspense. The book delves into themes of human resilience, historical accuracy, and the impact of catastrophic events on individuals across different time periods.
Mary shook her head. “All you’ve missed is Gilchrist’s speech.” She leaned back in her chair to let Dunworthy squeeze past her into the narrow observation area. She had taken off her coat and wool hat...1992•592 pages A sweeping, detailed, and surprisingly entertaining history of a wild, calamitous century - perfect for lovers of immersive stories, though the density might deter casual readers. Essential for anyone wanting to understand the Middle Ages beyond the clichés.
'A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century' by Barbara W. Tuchman is a weighty and detailed history book that provides a captivating look at the society of the 14th century, covering events such as The Plague Black Death, epic battles like Poitiers, and struggles for dominance from England to Italy. The book delves into both grand historical events and the mundanities of ordinary life, exploring topics like childhood, marriage, money, taxes, war, and their impact on all levels of society from serf to noble to clergy. Tuchman uses the history of the Sires of Coucey to give a human face to the 14th century, making the narrative rich in detail and scholarship.
The book is praised for its narrative style that reads like a novel, following the life of one nobleman through the tumultuous events of the 14th century. Tuchman's approach, combining personal biographies with discrete essay chapters on various historical aspects, is commended for making the period come to life and providing insight into both the large trends and small details of the era, from shrinking populations and war to religion and the decline of chivalry.
Formidable and grand on a hilltop in Picardy, the five-towered castle of Coucy dominated the approach to Paris from the north, but whether as guardian or as challenger of the monarchy in the capital w...1978•784 pages- #5
Save:A gripping, approachable intro to the Black Death that brings the horror and scale of the pandemic to life. Great for beginners, but seasoned history fans should keep an eye out for inaccuracies and check the edition before buying.
'The Black Death' by Philip Ziegler is a brief summary of the original work, which readers find to be a rip off and misleading in its advertisement. The author, although not a historian, is honest about his credentials and intent in providing a basic primer for the lay reader. The content covers the symptoms, spread, and mortality of the plague, with little new information offered. However, Ziegler's treatment of the plague of 1348-1349 is appreciated for providing insights into medieval medicine and hygiene in 14th century London.
1969•336 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeously written, deeply moving historical novel about hope and survival during the plague - just be ready for a controversial ending.
'Year of Wonders' by Geraldine Brooks is a historical fiction novel set in a small English village during the outbreak of the plague in 1665 and onwards. The story follows Anna Frith, a young widow, as she witnesses the devastating effects of the plague on her village, the struggles of survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. The book weaves together true historical events with fictional elements, offering a gripping narrative that delves into themes of survival, loss, faith, and community. Readers praised the author's meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and vivid descriptions that bring the 17th-century setting to life.
I USED TO LOVE this season. The wood stacked by the door, the tang of its sap still speaking of forest. The hay made, all golden in the low afternoon light. The rumble of the apples tumbling into the...2001•323 pages - #7
Save:Sweeping, suspenseful, and deeply human - if you’re craving a vividly detailed trip to medieval England with clever twists and complex characters, The Turn of Midnight won’t disappoint.
The Turn of Midnight by Minette Walters is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century during the Black Death. The story follows Lady Anne and Thaddeus as they navigate the challenges of the plague and its aftermath, including isolation, survival, and social restructuring. The writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and with a good mix of action, intrigue, and character development. The plot revolves around the characters' growth, relationships, and the struggle against societal norms and exploitation.
THE NIGHT SEEMED DARKER WHEN Lady Anne took her leave of Eleanor and stepped away from the serf’s hut. Perhaps she’d tarried longer than she realised in her attempts to persuade her daughter to unders...October 2018•474 pages
(Also, see 30 recommendations for the series Black Death ) - #8
Save:A harrowing, beautifully written blend of horror, fantasy, and history - gruesome, poetic, and unforgettable for the right reader. Not for the faint of heart!
"Between Two Fires" by Christopher Buehlman is a dark fantasy set in 14th century France during the devastating Black Death. The story follows an orphaned young girl, a fallen knight, and an alcoholic priest as they navigate a world filled with pestilence, monsters, and supernatural forces. The plot weaves together elements of horror, historical fiction, and religious themes, creating a tale of redemption, hope, and the battle between good and evil.
The book is praised for its vivid and atmospheric storytelling, blending gritty realism with high fantasy elements. Readers commend Buehlman's ability to create engaging characters, compelling relationships, and haunting scenes that delve deep into the darkness of the human heart and the horrors of the plague-ridden landscape.
It looked at them hopefully from beneath a willow tree, swishing its tail against the flies. The fat one, and nobody knew how he stayed fat, took his war hammer up, meaning to brain it, but Thomas sto...October 2012•449 pages - #9
Save:A sprawling, addictive, and vividly told medieval saga - perfect for losing yourself in history and drama, but be prepared for déjà vu if you’ve read the prequel.
'World Without End' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century, serving as a sequel to 'The Pillars of the Earth.' The book follows the lives of various characters in the town of Kingsbridge, 200 years after the construction of the medieval cathedral. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the villagers during the outbreak of the plague, exploring themes of ambition, love, greed, revenge, and the role of the church in society. Despite being a lengthy tome, the book intricately weaves together multiple plots and characters, providing insights into the day-to-day struggles and ordeals of individuals living in the 12th century.
“I can make the formwork,” Merthin said, already thinking about how the frame would be supported by the scaffolding, and the platform on which the masons would have to stand. “But these vaults were no... - #10
Save:A ribald, irreverent, and surprisingly fresh classic: entertaining, historically important, and best enjoyed little by little. Not for the easily offended or the impatient, but totally worth sampling for anyone curious about how much (or little) humans have changed!
The Decameron is a collection of 100 short stories told by ten young people who fled Florence to a country house to escape the Black Death. Each person tells a story every day for ten days, resulting in a hundred entertaining tales that cover various themes such as love, wit, practical jokes, and travel. The stories provide a glimpse into Medieval life, culture, and the impact of the pestilence during the late Middle Ages. Boccaccio's writing style is described as witty, satirical, and humorous, with clever narratives that are sometimes suspenseful and almost pornographic.
The book is a mix of bawdy and humorous stories that portray the lives of ordinary people during the plague, featuring themes like love in all its variations, from erotica to tragedy. The tales are entertaining, funny, and satirical, showcasing the sexual exploits of nobility and clergy, pranks and tricks between spouses and friends, and adventures abroad. Despite some stories being misogynistic or reflecting the time's cultural norms, the overall collection is seen as a window into the medieval world, offering insights into human nature and societal dynamics.
HERE BEGINNETH THE FIRST DAY OF THE DECAMERON WHEREIN (AFTER DEMONSTRATION MADE BY THE AUTHOR OF THE MANNER IN WHICH IT CAME TO PASS THAT THE PERSONS WHO ARE HEREINAFTER PRESENTED FOREGATHERED FOR THE...1353•845 pages
