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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
She opens this book saying she’s going to use a semi-regular person as a way not to just be about royals before proceeding to make 80% about royals fighting. I learned more about medieval life from the Pillars of earth books.
Interesting stuff, quite long and I wish the epilogue was more recap or analysis instead of just more of the same
Turns out I knew more about the 14th century than I realized
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plague, Pillage, Taxes; a fascinating review of Europe (especially France and England) in the 14th century. Focusing on key landmarks in history of people, place and events such as black death, knights, Templers, Crusades, schism in church and State, politics, and much more.
It always fascinate me how England and France got to have a positive relationship after so much fighting over the centuries. Lots to consider and reflect upon. Enjoyed opportunities to learn brief aspects to delve more into such as crusades.
Clear that was hadn't changed.... so many prosper while others are tragic victims. Great narrator.
It always fascinate me how England and France got to have a positive relationship after so much fighting over the centuries. Lots to consider and reflect upon. Enjoyed opportunities to learn brief aspects to delve more into such as crusades.
Clear that was hadn't changed.... so many prosper while others are tragic victims. Great narrator.
dark
informative
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
Well, the fourteenth century in Europe was a living nightmare.
A Distant Mirror is aptly named, it presents a reflection of our modern world in light of political maneuverings, needless wars, and even faces similarities in disasters. It's difficult to write a historical book and maintain the reader's interest for the entirety, but Barbara Tuchman managed to do it. The book itself reveals details of the realities of the 14th century from multiple perspectives, some similar to our own but some completely alien to me, I really enjoyed reading it.
I am fascinated by medieval history. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of what life was like for people living in that time; however, I got lost in all the names. The Dukes of Burgundy, Blois, and Berry got pretty mixed up in my mind, although these were three very distinct individuals.
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Tuchman makes this grim history of a bloody period of the middle ages come alive with levity and intrigue. Highly recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in medieval history.