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crow_toes 's review for:
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century
by Barbara W. Tuchman
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.