This book is fantastic in its depth. The author did not come to fuck around, she came to murder - with precision - the fond notion of knighthood, kings, princesses, castles and any kind feelings you may have reserved for “the Church”.

When I began reading Dante’s Divine Comedy (not finished yet JEEZ), I realized how little I understood of 14th century western culture. For instance how the world of Dante reacted to his canticles - how his writings influenced culture. Anyway, I remembered to read this book. Which given the time we find ourselves in during a global pandemic .... this is triggering as fuck and also so goddamned well written. The parallels between then and now will ENRAGE you.

Anyway, the author’s writing is entertaining and everyone should read PARTS of this book. I get that 14th century plague and cultural commentary may not be for everyone, but if nothing else read the preface. ( )

I found this book fascinating, but I fear that most people who pick it up will put it down after the first several chapters, in which Tuchman provides a religious, social, economic, and political context for the century. The rest of the book is defined by the military escapades of French knight Enguerrand de Coucy, but it's really just a framework to discuss the development of the themes Tuchman stakes out in the early chapters. However, if you're easily bored by military history, it might be best to take a pass on this one. ( )

The actual history part of this book is fascinating. The chapters that followed the main character not so much. ( )

I did the Audio Book and it its LONG but worth it-so interesting if you love historical context, very precise even if you feel it wanders a bit ( )

I made a video book review that you can watch here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HXAf6J0hiw ( )