The Great Mortality
Ratings5
Average rating3.6
15
Ratings5
Average rating3.6
Chronicles the Great Plague that devastated Asia and Europe in the fourteenth century, documenting the experiences of people who lived during its height while describing the decline of moral boundaries that also marked the period.
Reviews with the most likes.
Very interesting read. I had not known about unusual geological/climatological activity in decades preceding plague outbreak - wet weather and earthquakes both can drive rats from their normal habitats towards human habitats in search of food. Wet weather may also have caused poor harvests, therefore famine, leaving people in worse physical shape to fight off such a disease outbreak.
What passed for medical knowledge at the time is almost comical. I suppose our descendants 700 years hence will say the same thing. Pogroms against the Jews, who were “of course” to blame, simply heartbreaking. Too bad we haven't yet outgrown the desire for scapegoats and conspiracy theories...
As slowly as news traveled in the 14th century, it still often traveled faster than the disease. To be stuck waiting, knowing that it was getting closer and closer to you - I can't imagine what that felt like.
Was plague good for Europe? Led to increased value of labor, more productive use of land, great creativity in labor-saving devices and methods...broke Europe out of its “Malthusian deadlock.”
This was a very comprehensive look at Medieval Europe and Asia during the Black Plague. From geopolitics to religion, trade to artistry, seemingly every facet of life is covered. It could meander at times, but overall the book was very readable and I learned a great deal. Recommended!
