Title: A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century
Author: Barbara W. Tuchman
First published September 21, 1978
29 pages, Audiobook
ISBN: 9780786152940 (ISBN10: 078615294X)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
The 14th century was an era of contrasts. It was a time of magnificent crusades, awe-inspiring castles, majestic cathedrals, and gallant chivalry.
However, it was also a time of intense brutality and profound spiritual turmoil, a world in utter disarray. Barbara W.
Tuchman delves into the captivating rhythms of history and the intricate details of daily life during this tumultuous period. In “A Distant Mirror”, she provides a vivid portrayal of the era’s domestic existence, shedding light on the joys and hardships encountered by the people of the time.
About the Author
Barbara Wertheim Tuchman, a self-taught American historian and author, was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Her most notable work, The Guns of August (1962), recounted the events leading up to and the first month of World War I.
Tuchman’s writing style centered around creating accessible history for the masses. Her compelling storytelling spanned a wide range of topics, from the 14th century to World War I, and was wildly successful, selling millions of copies.
Editoral Review
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman is a historical masterpiece that offers readers a deep insight into the 14th century.
Tuchman, an eminent historian, sheds light on the medieval period to unfold the mysteries of a distant past.
As a writer, Tuchman has a commanding voice; her writing is detailed, vivid, and eloquent, as she tells the story of the 14th century through the eyes of a few key players.
She brings to life the events that took place, from the Black Death to the Hundred Years’ War, and her descriptions of battles and sieges are impressive.
The book centers on the life of French nobleman Enguerrand VII, a man whose fortunes rise and fall with the times.
Set against a backdrop of a turbulent era filled with wars, famine, and plague, the narrative is grounded in historical facts and details that make it all feel authentic.
Tuchman’s work is a perceptive analysis of a calamitous era that she diligently researched, thoroughly researched, showing her deep understanding of the cultural and historical context of the events that took place.
She also presents a compelling view of how events from the 14th century led up to the current socio-political situation.
The author’s stunning prose, impeccable research, and fascinating historical analysis make A Distant Mirror an essential read for history buffs, students of history, and casual readers who enjoy immersing themselves in the past.
However, caution must be exercised as the book sometimes digresses from the central characters, making it a bit dense and challenging to keep track of characters and events.
Overall, A Distant Mirror is a truly exceptional book that will leave readers feeling captivated by the story of the 14th century.
It is without a doubt one of the most important books on the medieval period ever written. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.5/5
