From 1348 to 1350 Europe was devastated by an epidemic that left between one third and one half of the population dead. Using contemporary writings, this collection of sources traces the calamitous impact of the Black Death in Europe, with particular emphasis on its spread across England from 1348 to 1349. Rosemary Horrox surveys contemporary responses to the plague. The almost universal belief that the plague was an expression of divine anger at the sins of humankind did not preclude the attempts to explain the epidemic in scientific and medical terms or to look for human scapegoats. The sources which are included show some of the social and psychological impact of the plague, chronicle its effects on the late-medieval economy, and illustrate the fear that spread with the disease as well as the diverse ways that such terror influenced social behavior.
Part One focuses on narrative accounts of the plague in Continental Europe and in the British Isles. Part Two examines explanations and responses to the plague, including religious and scientific. Part Three deals with the extraordinary consequences of the plague, its impact and repercussions. Finally the text ends with excellent and up-to-date suggestions for further reading.
Dr. Horrox's text is the most extensive collection of relevant sources in translation and is an invaluable addition to the field. This book should be a part of the personal collection of every serious student of the Medieval period.
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Top reviews from other countries
doc peterson
An outstanding collection of contemporary accounts
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2008Verified Purchase
Snacky
Excellent Resource
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2013Verified Purchase
Gill Hind
The Black Death - what did people living at the time think?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2018Verified Purchase
Jeremy
Yersinia Pestis, you take my breath away!
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2010Verified Purchase
hthesmith
Doesn't offer too many perspectives about the European plague years.
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2017Verified Purchase
