Publication
PublicAffairs (2014), Edition: Reprint, 496 pages
Collections
Description
A narrative history of the origins of Western civilization argues that Europe was transformed in the tenth century from a continent rife with violence and ignorance to a continent on the rise.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Schmerguls
This book is pretty heavy going at times as it slogs through the chaotic world of the years around the tenth century, but it ends strong and does a good job showing why the tenth century can be said to be the years of the birth of Europe as we know it today. The author is a resigned Catholic priest
Show More
who has had a dispute with the Vatican over a different book of his, but the Vatican should have no quarrel with this book even though it does show that there were some really lousy Popes in the tenth century--but I have long known that since I took Father Chrurchill's courseon Church History at Loras College in the 1940's and I read Monsignor Mann's volumes of papal history on those years. The book gives a lot of detail on events in France and other areas in the century discussed, and much of that may not be of much interest to many folk. But the discussion of Luitprand of Cremona and of Gerbert--later Pope Sylvester II--and of the Otto Emperors is well-done and enlightening. The book shows much research but the style is not at all heavy-handed. Anyone who wants to know more about 10th century Europe will be gratified by the book and its insights. Show Less
LibraryThing member annbury
This theme of this book -- that the 10th century saw the birth of European culture -- is right there in the title. That's helpful, because as the book gets underway there is a barrage of information about the period, but no indication of what it all means. As some reviewers have noted, it's tough
Show More
to see the forest for the trees. Things improve later on, as the focus moves out and around Europe, and as key figures emerge. In that process, some really interesting information emerges -- the key role of the Saxon state, the early date at which Greek learning became available in Europe, and the pathetic state of the papacy. Nonetheless, this remains more a descriptive than an analytic work. Also, some of the author's interpretations seem to me to be shaped by a specific world view: anyone's are, of course, but it does seem to me that he rather underrates Islamic culture. Be that as it may, this ends up being a very interesting read about a period that does not usually get much notice. Would suggest, along with it, "God's Crucible" by David Lewis. It covers a longer period (in both directions) but discusses some of the same issues. Show Less
LibraryThing member VGAHarris
Some interesting stories about the papal and political rivalries in Europe but the writing leaves a great deal to be desired. Basically a collection of facts, names, and dates that never connect to an overarching theme. This is the type of history writing that discourages people from enjoying
Show More
history. Probably suitable for a scholar doing research but that would be the extent of the appeal. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
1610393686 / 9781610393683
Physical description
496 p.; 5.5 inches
Pages
496