Books matching: black death
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Save:'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... "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...- #3
Save:'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.
When this history was published in 1969 I remarked in my preface that, though there might be controversy over some of its consequences, all at least would agree that the Black Death was of the greates... - #4
Save: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... - #5
Save:In 'The Last Hours' by Minette Walters, the story is set in 1348 in Dorsetshire during the Black Death. The narrative follows Lady Anne of Develish as she takes control of her community amidst the plague, implementing measures to protect her serfs. The book delves into the social hierarchy of medieval England, portraying a compelling tale of survival, leadership, and the impact of the devastating disease. Walters' writing style captures the atmosphere of the time period, blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
The summer heat was sucking the life from Develish. Leaves wilted on trees, ponies stood heads down, too tired to crop the grass, chickens settled in the dust with their eyes closed, and serfs leaned ... '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...- #7
Save:'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.
The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.
Now he had taken on the form of a small Mongol named Bold Bardash, horseman in the army of Temur the Lame. Son of a Tibetan salt trader and a Mongol innkeeper and spirit woman, and thus a traveller fr... - #8
Save:'Black Death at the Golden Gate' by David K. Randall is a historical account of the bubonic plague outbreak in San Francisco in the early 1900s. The book delves into the crisis faced by the city, the rampant racism, political cover-ups, and the emergence of key figures like Joseph Kinyoun and Rupert Blue who fought against the disease. Randall's writing style keeps readers engaged from the first outbreak to the last, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of American history.
The narrative explores the obstacles faced in bringing the bubonic plague to light, including political alliances, societal prejudices, and the impact of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Through a mix of historical facts and personal stories, the book highlights the struggles faced by Chinese Americans and immigrants during the epidemic, offering a comprehensive look at the events that unfolded in San Francisco during that time.
Six weeks earlier, Joseph Kinyoun had been heading into middle age ensconced in a bubble of his own brilliance. Widely seen as one of the most accomplished scientists in the United States at the age o... - #9
Save:Eifelheim by Michael Flynn is a unique science fiction novel that explores the concept of aliens crash-landing in 14th-century Germany, specifically in a village during the time of the Black Death. The story delves into the interactions between the stranded aliens and the medieval villagers, particularly focusing on the village priest, Father Dietrich, who grapples with questions of faith, humanity, and the possibility of alien souls. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of both the medieval setting and the present day, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how different cultures and time periods perceive and interact with the unknown.
DIETRICH AWOKE with an uneasy feeling in his heart, like a bass voice chanting from a darkened choir loft. His eyes flew open and darted about the room. A night candle guttering in its sconce cast cap... - #10
Save:A Bed of Spices by Barbara Samuel is a historical romance set in 14th century Germany during The Black Death, focusing on the forbidden love story between Rica, a Catholic nobleman's daughter, and Solomon, a Jewish merchant's son aspiring to be a physician. The book delves into the societal constraints of the era, the impact of the plague, and the mistreatment of the Jewish population, all while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their desires against all odds.
Rica knelt in the confessional, smelling the sour, sharp scent of beeswax that had been rubbed into the wood. Stone flags met her knees. Beyond the screen, blocked with sheer white linen, the old prie...
