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In the Wake of the Plague: The Black Death and the World It Made by Norman F. Cantor
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In the Wake of the Plague: The Black Death and the World It Made

by Norman F. Cantor

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Absorbing and surprisingly amusing study of the plague in medieval Europe, and the political, religious, and social ramifications of the loss of approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the population within the span of a few years. Norman Cantor, the author, is a noted medieval historian, and he writes with a certain dry wit and sly sarcasm, so this book isn't nearly as deadly as it sounds. (Yes, that was a pun. Yes, it was intentional.)

Plainly and concisely written, and even giggle-worthy on occasion. Includes a number of illustrations taken from contemporary manuscripts. Also includes a "critical bibliography" or suggested reading material for anyone wishing further information about the various topics discussed in this book. ( )
avanta7 | Apr 24, 2009 | 2 vote
Rife with historical inaccuracies. ( )
archiveninja | Apr 12, 2009 |  
Absolute favorite history book. Norman Cantor's dry wit makes this book about the plague interesting and in parts, even funny. ( )
Librarynymph | Feb 20, 2009 |  
I've been reading this for years - I probably bought it in 2002 - and I'm still not half way. After visiting York, and particularly the York Dungeons, I thought this might be interesting. It isn't. ( )
Fluffyblue | Jun 3, 2008 |  
pleh: not that old ring around the rosie crap
Kaethe | May 27, 2008 |  
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Amazon.com (ISBN 0060014342, Paperback)

One-third of Western Europe's population died between 1348 and 1350, victims of the Black Death. Noted medievalist Norman Cantor tells the story of the pandemic and its widespread effects in In the Wake of the Plague.

After giving an overview, Cantor describes various theories about the medical crisis, from contemporary fears of a Jewish conspiracy to poison the water (and the resulting atrocities against European Jews) to a growing belief among modern historians that both bubonic plague and anthrax caused the spiraling death rates. Cantor also details ways in which the Black Death changed history, at both the personal level (family lines dying out) and the political (the Plantagenet kings may well have been able to hold onto France had their resources not been so diminished).

Cantor veers from topic to topic, from dynastic worries to the Dance of Death, and from peasants' rights to Perpendicular Gothic. This makes for amusing reading, though those seeking an orderly narrative may be frustrated. He also seems overly concerned with rumors of homosexual behavior, and his attempt to link the savage method of Edward II's murder to a cooling in global weather is a bit farfetched.

Cantor wears his considerable scholarship lightly, but includes a very useful critical biography for further reading. While not an entry-level text on the Black Death, In the Wake of the Plague will interest readers looking for a broader interpretation of its consequences. --Sunny Delaney

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:58:02 -0400)

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