The Great Mortality
The Great Mortality
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Brief
400
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • 14th Century
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In his non-fiction book The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time, American historian John Kelly examines the Great Plague that swept through Europe and Asia during the fourteenth century, killing up to 200 million people, including about one-third of Europe's total population over the span of five years.
Dark
Informative
Mysterious
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
12,157 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Kelly's The Great Mortality offers a detailed, vivid account of the Black Death, praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research. Critics highlight its engaging storytelling but note that its dense historical content may overwhelm some readers. Overall, it's well-regarded for blending academic rigor with accessible writing.
Who Should Read The Great Mortality?
Readers of The Great Mortality by John Kelly would likely enjoy detailed historical accounts and gripping narratives about pandemics. Similar to fans of Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror and John Barry's The Great Influenza, they appreciate scholarly yet accessible explorations of major health crises and their impact on society.
12,157 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • 14th Century
2005
Adult
18+ years
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