28 pages 56 minutes read

Philip Ziegler

The Black Death

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1969

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Philip Ziegler's The Black Death chronicles the devastating 14th-century plague that decimated one-third of Europe's population, exploring its origins, rapid spread, and profound economic and societal impacts, particularly in England, with in-depth analysis and reflections on its lasting consequences. It contains antisemitic language and graphic descriptions of death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Philip Ziegler's The Black Death provides a detailed and accessible analysis of the 14th-century plague, filled with vivid historical anecdotes. While praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, some critics note a lack of depth in economic analysis. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable resource on the topic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Black Death?

Readers who enjoy engaging, well-researched historical narratives will find Philip Ziegler's The Black Death captivating. Ideal for fans of Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror or John Kelly's The Great Mortality, this book is perfect for those interested in medieval history, epidemiology, or vivid storytelling of past pandemics.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: European

Health / Medicine

Science / Nature

Themes

Society: Community

Society: Nation

Society: Economics

Period

Medieval Literature / Middle Ages