Cover of The Black Death: Natural and Human Disater in Medieval Europe

The Black Death: Natural and Human Disater in Medieval Europe

by Robert Steven Gottfried · 1983

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A fascinating work of detective history, The Black Deathtraces the causes and far-reaching consequences of this infamous outbreak of plague that spread across the continent of Europe from 1347 to 1351.

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A fascinating work of detective history, The Black Deathtraces the causes and far-reaching consequences of this infamous outbreak of plague that spread across the continent of Europe from 1347 to 1351. Drawing on sources as diverse as monastic manuscripts and dendrochronological studies (which measure growth rings in trees), historian Robert S. Gottfried demonstrates how a bacillus transmitted by rat fleas brought on an ecological reign of terror—killing one European in three, wiping out entire villages and towns, and rocking the foundation of medieval society and civilization.

Subject
historyhistoryMore like thisLess of thissciencescienceMore like thisLess of this
Themes
medicalmedicalMore like thisLess of this
Setting
medievalmedievalMore like thisLess of thisMiddle AgesMiddle AgesMore like thisLess of thisEuropeEuropeMore like thisLess of this
Audience
adult
Length
medium · 203 pages

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Liked The Black Death: Natural and Human Disater in Medieval Europe? Here’s where I’d start.

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