Books matching: 14th century europe
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- #1
William Gold, a cook's boy dreaming of becoming a knight, navigates a world of intrigue, betrayal, and greed in the 14th century as depicted in 'The Ill-Made Knight' by Christian Cameron. The book offers a realistic portrayal of medieval knighthood, with fantastic battle scenes and historical accuracy. Through the protagonist's journey from boyhood to his early twenties, the story delves into themes of chivalry, violence, faith, and the struggle to balance ideals with the harsh reality of war.
Basinet– A form of helmet that evolved during the late middle ages, the basinet was a helmet that came down to the nape of the neck everywhere but over the face, which was left unprotected. It was alm... - #2
'The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time' by John Kelly is a detailed account of the Black Death in the 14th century. The author delves into the devastating impact of the plague, tracing its origins in Asia and its spread through Europe. Kelly provides a comprehensive exploration of the social, economic, and political effects of the Black Death, highlighting the day-to-day struggles of individuals during this catastrophic time period. weaves together historical facts with personal narratives, offering a vivid portrayal of the horrors faced by people living through the plague.
FEODOSIYA SITS ON THE EASTERN COAST OF THE CRIMEA, A RECTANGULAR spit of land where the Eurasian steppe stops to dip its toe into the Black Sea. Today the city is a rusty wasteland of post-Soviet deca... - #3
The White Company by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel set during the Hundred Years' War, following the journey of Alleyne Edricson as he leaves the safety of the abbey to explore the world before deciding his fate. The story is filled with action, battles, and encounters with various characters from medieval society, providing a detailed glimpse into the life of England and France in the 14th century. Doyle's writing style combines descriptive passages with elements of chivalric romance, creating a vivid and engaging narrative that immerses the reader in a world of knights, archers, and noble quests.
A central theme of The White Company revolves around Alleyne's coming-of-age journey, his encounters with different societal segments, and his experiences that challenge his innocence and beliefs. The novel presents a mix of idealistic chivalry, pragmatic views on medieval warfare, and a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of the era. Through Alleyne's perspective, readers are taken on a Canterbury Tales-like adventure, meeting various characters that offer a cross-section of medieval society while exploring themes of hardship, love, friendship, and the pursuit of humanity.
The great bell of Beaulieu was ringing. Far away through the forest might be heard its musical clangor and swell. Peat-cutters on Blackdown and fishers upon the Exe heard the distant throbbing rising ... 'The Travels of Sir John Mandeville' is a travel guide written during the 14th century by a man who may not have existed, detailing fantastical and imaginative descriptions of places, creatures, and cultures beyond the known world. The writing style is described as meandering, with a mix of fact and fiction, reminiscent of stories told by a boisterous friend or family member. The book covers the journey of pilgrims to Jerusalem and then delves into bizarre and mythical accounts of demons, cursed areas, and unusual beings like Ethiopians with one giant leg.
'A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century' by Barbara W. Tuchman is a weighty and detailed history book that provides a captivating look at the society of the 14th century, covering events such as The Plague Black Death, epic battles like Poitiers, and struggles for dominance from England to Italy. The book delves into both grand historical events and the mundanities of ordinary life, exploring topics like childhood, marriage, money, taxes, war, and their impact on all levels of society from serf to noble to clergy. Tuchman uses the history of the Sires of Coucey to give a human face to the 14th century, making the narrative rich in detail and scholarship.
The book is praised for its narrative style that reads like a novel, following the life of one nobleman through the tumultuous events of the 14th century. Tuchman's approach, combining personal biographies with discrete essay chapters on various historical aspects, is commended for making the period come to life and providing insight into both the large trends and small details of the era, from shrinking populations and war to religion and the decline of chivalry.
Formidable and grand on a hilltop in Picardy, the five-towered castle of Coucy dominated the approach to Paris from the north, but whether as guardian or as challenger of the monarchy in the capital w...- #6
Captives of Time by Malcolm J. Bosse is a historical fiction novel set in 14th century Europe, focusing on the struggles of the main protagonist, Anne Valens, and her brother Niklas as they navigate a harsh world after witnessing their parents' murder. The story revolves around Anne's journey of learning clock making from her uncle and defying societal norms by building the first female clock. The narrative delves into themes of survival, family relationships, and the impact of historical events on the characters' lives. The writing style captures the reader's attention with its vivid portrayal of the past, making the reader feel immersed in the characters' world.
- #7
'News from Nowhere' by William Morris is a utopian novel set in a future socialist society where the protagonist awakens in a world without private property, poverty, crime, or commercial morality. The narrative explores the idyllic nature of a society where everyone contributes willingly, and the state is replaced by an anarchist collectivity. Morris presents a vision of a future Britain that focuses on cooperation, craftsmanship, and a rejection of industrialization, drawing parallels to the Arts and Crafts movement.
Up at the League, says a friend, there had been one night a brisk conversational discussion, as to what would happen on the Morrow of the Revolution, finally shading off into a vigorous statement by v... The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart by Jesse Bullington is a dark and graphic story set in medieval Europe, following the repulsive and brutal Grossbart brothers on their journey of grave robbing and encountering supernatural entities. The book delves into themes of violence, mayhem, and gore, showcasing the brothers' profane and foul nature as they travel to Gyptland in search of treasure, all while displaying a twisted sense of humor and unique storytelling style.
Throughout the narrative, readers are introduced to a cast of disturbing characters, including the Grossbart brothers themselves, as well as demons, monsters, and corrupt individuals, all set against a backdrop of historical events and religious turmoil. The writing style of the book is described as detailed, realistic, and fantastical, with a touch of dark humor that adds an element of sick entertainment to the grim and grotesque tale.
The story of the Brothers Grossbart does not begin with the discovery of the illuminated pages comprising Die Tragödie der Brüder Große Bärte tucked inside a half-copied Bible in a German monastery fi...- #9
'For My Lady's Heart' by Laura Kinsale is a compelling medieval romance that follows the adventures of Melanthe and Ruck. The story is set in medieval England and France, with vivid descriptions of the time period. Melanthe, the female protagonist, is portrayed as a complex character with a dark past, making her behavior tough to like but understandable. The use of Middle English in the dialogue adds depth to the story, although some readers found it challenging to follow. The plot revolves around the evolving relationship between Melanthe and Ruck, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and transformation.
The cry rose with squeals and laughter as the ladies of Bordeaux craned, reaching for the prizes held tauntingly overhead by their gay tormentors. Veils came askew, belts failed and sent misericordes ...