Plot Summary

A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century

Barbara W. Tuchman
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A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1978

Book Brief

Barbara W. Tuchman

A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1978
Book Details
Pages

784

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Period
Setting

Europe • 14th Century

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Barbara W. Tuchman's A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century chronicles the tumultuous 14th century, spotlighting the turbulence of medieval Europe through war, plague, and societal upheaval. The narrative centers on the life of nobleman Enguerrand de Coucy, providing a lens to understand the era's complexities and individuals' responses to the challenges of their time.

Informative

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

44,369 ratings

76%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Barbara W. Tuchman's A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century masterfully intertwines rich details and engaging narrative, painting a vivid portrait of medieval Europe. Praised for its thorough research and accessibility, some critics note occasional digressions and a dense writing style that may challenge casual readers. Overall, it remains a compelling historical account.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century?

Readers fascinated by medieval history and those who enjoyed John Julius Norwich’s A History of Venice or Norman F. Cantor’s In the Wake of the Plague will relish Barbara W. Tuchman’s A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century. This book appeals to those who appreciate richly detailed, narrative-driven historical accounts.

4.3

44,369 ratings

76%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

784

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Period
Setting

Europe • 14th Century

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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