A world lit only by fire review. A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE 2022-10-30
A world lit only by fire review Rating:
5,6/10
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"A World Lit Only by Fire" is a book written by William Manchester, first published in 1992. It is a historical examination of the Middle Ages, covering a wide range of topics including the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of feudalism, the impact of the Vikings and Magyars, the Norman Conquest, and the Crusades.
One of the main themes of the book is the way in which the Middle Ages were a time of great transition and upheaval. Manchester argues that the period was marked by violence, insecurity, and uncertainty, as feudal lords and other powerful figures struggled for power and influence. At the same time, he also highlights the many cultural and intellectual achievements of the era, such as the development of the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture, the proliferation of monasteries and universities, and the emergence of great works of literature and art.
One of the most interesting aspects of "A World Lit Only by Fire" is the way in which Manchester brings to life the many different figures and events of the Middle Ages. He uses a wide range of primary sources, including chronicles, letters, and other documents, to provide a rich and detailed picture of the period. He also does an excellent job of putting these events into context, explaining the broader social and political forces at work and the ways in which they shaped the course of history.
Overall, "A World Lit Only by Fire" is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that offers a vivid and engaging portrayal of the Middle Ages. It is a must-read for anyone interested in this important period of history and the many ways in which it has shaped the world we know today.
A Review of a World Lit Only by Fire
I feel ashamed giving it three stars. We seldom realize that events that inspired the fictional World of Ice and Fire books and the Game of Thrones television series were witnessed by some of the same individuals that would live to see Columbus discover America, Magellan circumnavigate the globe, Copernicus to take that same globe down a peg, and Luther, Calvin, Charles V, Francis I, and a Henry VIII to light it on fire - at times using their fellow human beings as accelerant. The first part of the book introduce us to a new perspective and understanding of what the author believe, thanks to his investigations, form and mold the medieval mind. But trashing the author because you're so much smarter and more knowledgeable than him, well, please list YOUR published works. Wesleyan should be embarrassed; even casual readers should move on to something more intellectually honest. I was very unimpressed.
opportunities.alumdev.columbia.edu: Customer reviews: A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance
The Renaissance was a time when art and Literature highly opened up to people. William Manchester likes heroes; Hence why he chose to write biographies of men like Winston Churchill and Douglas MacArthur. One thing I have to say - this book certainly puts things into perspective. Like all God's works, it is perfect. Firstly I must admit that I have very little knowledge of the Renaissance I found it a boring subject at school! It really only deserves two. In the end, Manchester returns to Ferdinand Magellan, presenting an inspiring portrait of the man whose story was the impetus for this book. Augustine and the effects he had on medieval civilization.
This Benefited the church by gaining money and fame as they guaranteed your afterlife. The book is divided into three parts: The Medieval Mind, The Shattering and the last part, One Man Alone. . The section further covers humanist scholars, and concentrates upon the humanist tendencies of Renaissance leaders such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Isaac Asimov scared me with much the same warning many years ago; I was apparently the only one so troubled by it, because things have only gotten worse since then.
The final section focuses on Magellan as a symbol of the Enlightenment. I don't remember seeing a lot of naked peasants in medieval art. One such random fact that the author gets stuck on is that silverware wasn't introduced until the end of the 16th maybe 15th. This review and comments reflect my own thoughts. A sad collection of assumptions and half-baked pronouncements, with no real insight to be gained. .
A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age by William Manchester
A world of unseen details. . In other words, we're in trouble. In case I had any illusions left, though, I'm reading AWLObF. Not this second-hand, ill-informed tripe which may as well have been written by a hack paid to promote the enclosure movement and industrialization and deny climate change and write anything else which would turn readers into good little consumers without voices. My one note as I read this - apart from a prayer of thanksgiving when I finished - was "I can't tell if I'm depressed because people never change or given hope because though people never change we hardly ever burn people to death anymore. .
It's not a good resource for anything, and if you really want a good papal orgy story, there are better places to find them. As each of the three men are introduced and their accomplishments explained, the story takes a turn and leads towards a modernized era. This is not one of the former, but definitely it is one of the latter. A World Lit Only by Fire 1992 by American historian William Manchester, is an informal history of the European Middle Ages, structured into three sections: The Medieval Mind, The Shattering, and One Man Alone. Little primary research and a whole lot of assumptions and judgments about medieval thought made this book repellent. Is this some kind of joke? This book should be used as the BAD example when contrasting nonfiction books. He is controversal in his historical judgments, but backs it up with facts and reason.
opportunities.alumdev.columbia.edu: Customer reviews: A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance Portrait of an Age
It can heat and light up a room or it can completely destroy a room. William Manchester, A World Lit Only by Fire pg 15-16 Published in 1992, A World Lit Only by Fire is a book examining Medieval Europe and the Renaissance, through the lens of some of the most significant figures of the age. The efforts of the Church were far more hurtful then helpful to people at large. . The tone of the entire work is condescending, both to the reader occasionally , and to the subject matter always, with one or two exceptions. I have not mastered recent scholarship on the early sixteenth century.
Not a scholarly study based on first hand research, the work is intended for the general audience. How can they be so uncivilized??? The only one one that I found any hint of an answer to was the last one, and that only within the first 28 pages. The desire for knowlege on the subject is there, the problem is the dirth of vibrant materials and that exist seem to be an esoteric and mundane examination of specific events or Characters. People of the past weren't like us. It's not a textbook on the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, but I believe it did what it set out to do: it made me think. Using their hands to eat? The author's youthfulness helps to assure the inevitable comparison with the Anne Frank diary although over and above the sphere of suffering shared, and in this case extended to the death march itself, there is no spiritual or emotional legacy here to offset any reader reluctance.
Here is a short list of title I highly recommend This history book is a fast and easy read, but I noticed some problems with it. With pictures, on high quality paper, and yet which did not cost an astronomical sum? This statement brought to light the reality of the injustices… Earth Fire And Water Analysis In the book the wars Timothy uses the elements of earth, wind, fire and as double sided meanings were one is the challenge of war and one is the strategy Robert used the element to keep him sane. But there are more problems. Green's rattling bass, all assembling and reassembling the pieces before that voice — Broadrick's all-consuming robo-bark — pierces the darkness. . We seldom realize that events that inspired the fictional World of Ice and Fire books and the Game of Thrones television series were witnessed by some of the same individuals that would live to see Columbus discover America, Magellan circumnavigate the globe, Copernicus to take that same globe down a peg, and Luther, Calvin, Charles V, Francis I, and a Henry VIII to light it on fire - at times using their fellow human beings as accelerant. Can any life be examined independent of context? Weeks go by, and I fretfully search the used bookeries for another copy; always one shows up, usually in very good to unread condition philistines! In their society reading books is against the law and anyone caught reading a book will get their house burned down with the books and all of their possessions inside.
Review: Godflesh, 'A World Lit Only By Fire' : NPR
. But Manchester's account of Magellan's astounding circumnavigation is alone worth the price of admission. There seem to be plenty of world cultures that get along fine today using their hands as utensils. He paints the entirety of medieval Europe as superstitious and cruel, "disciplined in fear and sheathed in superstition" by the Roman Catholic Church. I'm sending this one to that soldier who wanted history books.
