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28 pages 56 minutes read

Philip Ziegler

The Black Death

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1969

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Philip Ziegler's The Black Death chronicles the devastating 14th-century plague that decimated one-third of Europe's population, exploring its origins, rapid spread, and profound economic and societal impacts, particularly in England, with in-depth analysis and reflections on its lasting consequences. It contains antisemitic language and graphic descriptions of death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Philip Ziegler's The Black Death provides a detailed and accessible analysis of the 14th-century plague, filled with vivid historical anecdotes. While praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, some critics note a lack of depth in economic analysis. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable resource on the topic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Black Death?

Readers who enjoy engaging, well-researched historical narratives will find Philip Ziegler's The Black Death captivating. Ideal for fans of Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror or John Kelly's The Great Mortality, this book is perfect for those interested in medieval history, epidemiology, or vivid storytelling of past pandemics.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Europe • 14th century

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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