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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I listened to this as an audiobook, which is probably not the best way to actually absorb all of the information and description that Tuchman provides. A better way would have doubtlessly been to read a paper copy, which I could easily go back and re-read as needed, and perhaps with maps handy. As such, I don't feel super qualified to comment on the content, but that doesn't bother me that much, as I wasn't listening to it for a close read, but rather just to absorb as much of a quick overview as came easily. I can say, though, that I enjoyed the way it was organized (loosely around a single figure who somehow managed to be involved in just about every major event in western Europe in the second half of the 14th century), and I do feel like I absorbed a bit.
Lots of interesting facts about the 1300s: how armies waged war, travel times, typical books people read, etc.
The focus on one family might engage some readers better than it did me, but I found it tedious to keep track of the characters.
The focus on one family might engage some readers better than it did me, but I found it tedious to keep track of the characters.
An excellent, incredibly detailed, book on the 14th century. My only gripe is that it struggles to balance being a proto-biography and a history, sometimes going 15 pages without mention of a storyline left behind a trail of details
Fascinating and beautifully written, but a lot to absorb for someone like me with very little knowledge of 14th-century history. This was my first readthrough. I will give it another shot later, and will likely understand much more of it. I look forward to it.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I wasn't sure going into this book what I'd think. But I found an engaging and entertaining look at Europe in the 14th Century, specifically France and England and the dealings regarding the 100 Years War. I learned a lot of things that I did not know about the century, and am glad I took the friend's recommendation for it.
I did the audiobook and think the reader was a huge help in keeping me engaged for the entire 29 hours. If it's an option for you, I would recommend listening to this book.
I did the audiobook and think the reader was a huge help in keeping me engaged for the entire 29 hours. If it's an option for you, I would recommend listening to this book.
Very good and interesting story, and I am in no way a student of the Middle Ages or chivalry. The narration was top notch as well.
This is simultaneously a large, dense, deeply detailed tome of a book and also an incredibly engaging and enjoyable read. I thoroughly enjoyed this overview of 14th century politics, warfare, political and religious squabbles, plague, and daily life both noble and common through it all.
Among the major events are the Black Death, Hundred Years' War, and Papal Schism, all of which are covered very satisfyingly. Enough details, years, names, and other facts to convey the major influences and impacts of each (which could be and are covered in many books individually) - but all still approachable as a part of the larger, meandering narrative. This isn't a narrowly focused book, and is light on direct references to primary sources, but it excels in its breadth.
Of the many names and anecdotes that are represented in the pages of this book, they all come across as so very human, whether noble or common. Many forms of enjoyment from music to festivals are found in the lives across the social classes, as well as their many sins and sufferings. Everything from food to clothing manages to find its way into the depictions, and are treated just as fondly when common as lavish. It was personally satisfying to find many repeated familiar names - not just popes and kings and Hawkwood, but also more niche individuals like Christine di Pizan.
Among the major events are the Black Death, Hundred Years' War, and Papal Schism, all of which are covered very satisfyingly. Enough details, years, names, and other facts to convey the major influences and impacts of each (which could be and are covered in many books individually) - but all still approachable as a part of the larger, meandering narrative. This isn't a narrowly focused book, and is light on direct references to primary sources, but it excels in its breadth.
Of the many names and anecdotes that are represented in the pages of this book, they all come across as so very human, whether noble or common. Many forms of enjoyment from music to festivals are found in the lives across the social classes, as well as their many sins and sufferings. Everything from food to clothing manages to find its way into the depictions, and are treated just as fondly when common as lavish. It was personally satisfying to find many repeated familiar names - not just popes and kings and Hawkwood, but also more niche individuals like Christine di Pizan.