Super Short Summary

A World Lit Only by Fire by William Manchester is an engaging exploration of the transition from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance, divided into three parts: "The Medieval Mind," which examines the beliefs and daily life of common people; "The Shattering," focusing on the downfall of the medieval mindset and the Church’s excesses, featuring historical figures like Martin Luther and Leonardo da Vinci; and "One Man Alone," detailing Ferdinand Magellan's groundbreaking circumnavigation of the globe. The book discusses topics such as violence, religious conflict, and historical depictions of lewd behaviors and corruption.