A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century

Name: A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century
Price: 11.99 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (2439 reviews)

4.6 of 5 Stars: Europe - A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century

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Book Synopsis: A “marvelous history”* of medieval Europe, from the bubonic plague and the Papal Schism to the Hundred Years’ War, by the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Guns of August *Lawrence Wright, author of The End of October, in The Wall Street Journal

The fourteenth century reflects two contradictory images: on the one hand, a glittering age of crusades, cathedrals, and chivalry; on the other, a world plunged into chaos and spiritual agony. In this revelatory work, Barbara W. Tuchman examines not only the great rhythms of history but the grain and texture of domestic life: what childhood was like; what marriage meant; how money, taxes, and war dominated the lives of serf, noble, and clergy alike. Granting her subjects their loyalties, treacheries, and guilty passions, Tuchman re-creates the lives of proud cardinals, university scholars, grocers and clerks, saints and mystics, lawyers and mercenaries, and, dominating all, the knight—in all his valor and “furious follies,” a “terrible worm in an iron cocoon.”

Praise for A Distant Mirror

“Beautifully written, careful and thorough in its scholarship . . . What Ms. Tuchman does superbly is to tell how it was. . . . No one has ever done this better.”—The New York Review of Books

“A beautiful, extraordinary book . . . Tuchman at the top of her powers . . . She has done nothing finer.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Wise, witty, and wonderful . . . a great book, in a great historical tradition.”—Commentary

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Experience the captivating world of medieval Europe with A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century. Dive into a marvelous history filled with intrigue, adventure, and turmoil. Discover the contradictions of an age that oscillated between glittering crusades and gripping chaos. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barbara W. Tuchman takes you on a journey through the bubonic plague, the Papal Schism, and the Hundred Years’ War, providing a comprehensive exploration of this transformative period.

Uncover the rich tapestry of domestic life in the 14th century as Tuchman delves into the intricate details of daily existence. Immerse yourself in the world of childhood, marriage, and the pervasive influence of money, taxes, and war on the lives of individuals from different social strata. From serfs to nobles, clergy to merchants, Tuchman brings to life the experiences, loyalties, and guilty passions of a diverse array of individuals who shaped this era.

Prepare to be enthralled by Tuchman's vivid portrayal of the knight, a figure emblematic of valor and "furious follies," yet plagued by inner turmoil. Witness the clash of chivalry, political power, and personal ambitions, encapsulated in a "terrible worm in an iron cocoon." A Distant Mirror offers an unparalleled insight into the triumphs and tribulations of these knights, providing a compelling narrative that will transport you directly into their world.

A Distant Mirror has received widespread acclaim for its meticulous research, elegant prose, and comprehensive storytelling. With Tuchman's masterful writing, you'll gain a deep understanding of the era, as she seamlessly weaves together historical events and personal anecdotes. Prepare to be transported to medieval Europe, where you'll witness both the grand sweep of history and the intimate details of daily life.

Don't miss the opportunity to read this beautiful, extraordinary book that has captured the hearts of readers. Tuchman's unparalleled storytelling is a testament to her mastery of historical narrative. Immerse yourself in this great historical tradition and join the countless readers who have been captivated by A Distant Mirror. Start your journey into medieval Europe today!

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