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schellenbergk's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
I had mixed reactions. The sections on Mt. St. Michel and Chartes (and a deep dive into the construction, philosophy, and art behind cathedrals) was really interesting. But he lost me going into French medieval literature.
ellabhart's review against another edition
3.0
I found my discussion in class more illuminating than this book
kikithelibrarian's review against another edition
2.0
Adams wrote this book for the pleasure of his nieces. I am not one of his nieces. No pleasure was had, except in that I tried to read it in the voice of Neil Gaiman, which helped.
I first came across this book when I read The Last American Aristocrat: The Brilliant Life and Improbable Education of Henry Adams by David S. Brown, and his treatment of Henry Adams was very interesting and fairly examined the man in his time and place. Unfortunately, Adams's casual slights against Jews has the effect of jolting the reader out of the meditative journey through this Medieval world that Adams is attempting to paint for us. It probably didn't jolt early 20th century readers, but it does ruin the experience for me.
However, I am very interested in travelling to see Mont Saint Michel and Chartres myself one day and this book illuminated what is so special about this Medieval landmark.
I first came across this book when I read The Last American Aristocrat: The Brilliant Life and Improbable Education of Henry Adams by David S. Brown, and his treatment of Henry Adams was very interesting and fairly examined the man in his time and place. Unfortunately, Adams's casual slights against Jews has the effect of jolting the reader out of the meditative journey through this Medieval world that Adams is attempting to paint for us. It probably didn't jolt early 20th century readers, but it does ruin the experience for me.
However, I am very interested in travelling to see Mont Saint Michel and Chartres myself one day and this book illuminated what is so special about this Medieval landmark.
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