The Black Death by Rosemary Horrox

Description

This book surveys contemporary responses to the Black Death. The sources illustrate the fear that spread with the disease and the diverse ways that such terror influenced social behaviour. From 1348 to 1350 Europe was devastated by an epidemic that left between a third and one half of the population dead. This source book traces, through contemporary writings, the calamitous impact of the Black Death in Europe, with a particular emphasis on its spread across England from 1348 to 1349.

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3 reviews

EricCostello 1,132 reviews

This book is comprised of primary source materials on 14th century outbreaks of the plague. Much of the material is English, though Italy, Germany, France and Ireland are also represented. Not light or casual reading, to be sure, but Horrox does a very good job of explaining obscure terms or references. And to be sure, some passages are gruesomely entertaining.

Nov 10, 2017

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GeekGoddess 47 reviews

I have several books on the Black Death. This one is set apart because rather than being a discussion of the causes and fall out, it is a collection of reports, diaries, letter, and documentations left by people who lived (or not) through the epidemic.

Dec 23, 2008

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