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The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague cover art

The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague

Written by: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
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Publisher's Summary

Many of us know the Black Death as a catastrophic event of the medieval world. But the Black Death was arguably the most significant event in Western history, profoundly affecting every aspect of human life, from the economic and social to the political, religious, and cultural. In its wake the plague left a world that was utterly changed, forever altering the traditional structure of European societies and forcing a rethinking of every single system of Western civilization: food production and trade, the church, political institutions, law, art, and more. In large measure, by the profundity of the changes it brought, the Black Death produced the modern world we live in today.

While the story of the Black Death is one of destruction and loss, its breathtaking scope and effects make it one of the most compelling and deeply intriguing episodes in human history. Understanding the remarkable unfolding of the plague and its aftermath provides a highly revealing window not only on the medieval world but also on the forces that brought about the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and modernity itself.

Speaking to the full magnitude of this world-changing historical moment, The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague, taught by celebrated medievalist Dorsey Armstrong of Purdue University, takes you on an unforgettable excursion into the time period of the plague, its full human repercussions, and its transformative effects on European civilization. In 24 richly absorbing lectures, you'll follow the path of the epidemic in its complete trajectory across medieval Europe. Majestic in scope and remarkable in detail, this course goes to the heart of one of Western history's most catalytic and galvanizing moments, the effects of which gave us the modern world.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2016 The Great Courses

What listeners say about The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague

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A Great Educational Listen

Macabre but interesting lectures. They're well put together and later lectures reference back to what you've already learned so everything connects together nicely. I found myself going "Oh really!?" a lot while listening. Definitely worth it if you're into history or the Plague. #Audible1

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6 people found this helpful

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wonderful knowledge

Prefect lecture on the black death, made me scared around rodents and i have been washing my hands lots #Audible1

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4 people found this helpful

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entertaining!

excellent listen. only minor complaint is that there is a lot of repeated information in the different lectures. great Prof though, I learned a ton. well worth a listen.

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3 people found this helpful

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Recommend

The content is fascinating, so well researched and presented - thoroughly enjoyed! Look forward to another series by Dorsey Armstrong.

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2 people found this helpful

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An immersion beyond expectation

A morbid curiosity and fascination with Middle age history drew me to these lectures. I was not disappointed. From start to finish, it was ride that I will likely take again. I never re-read (or listen to) books, the only exception being Sapiens and Homo Deus, and now The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague. Well done Dorsey.

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2 people found this helpful

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Good, but...

She reads in a sing-song type of voice; it’s like she’s taking to a class of kindergarten children

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1 person found this helpful

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Captivating!

The narrator kept me awake and interested in this, I listened to it while I had a horrible flu and was quite entertained, while also feeling extremely blessed that I wasn't as bad off as the people in the book! I have never been really interested in history, but this course actually made me view the 21st century in a different way. Highly recommend this!

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1 person found this helpful

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Informative and Fascinating

This is one of the best courses I've listened to yet! Prof. Armstrong is an engaging and passionate teacher. Her delivery and thorough understanding of this material is easy to absorb. I really enjoyed this course

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I really interesting book to listen to

I’ve learned so much about the plague, and listening to this audiobook really Shone certain light to our behaviours within the COVID-19 pandemic. A good lesson

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  • Xyo
  • 2023-05-11

Very interesting!

I didn't know nearly as much as I thought I did about one of histories most traumatic events. It was fascinating as a result to learn just how much the Great Pestilence impacted not just society but the cultures of art and literature for centuries to come.

Both the material and its presenter are excellent!

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