Listen to a sample
A World Lit Only by Fire
- Author
- William Manchester
- Narrator
- Barrett Whitener
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Publish Date
- 1 March 2007
- Run Time
- 11 hours 37 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
The preeminent popular history of civilization’s rebirth after the Dark Ages
From tales of chivalrous knights to the barbarity of trial by ordeal, no era has been a greater source of awe, horror, and wonder than the Middle Ages. In handsomely crafted prose and with the grace and authority of his extraordinary gift for narrative history, William Manchester leads us from a civilization tottering on the brink of collapse to the grandeur of its rebirth, the Renaissance, a dense explosion of energy that spawned some of history’s greatest poets, philosophers, and painters, as well as some of its most spectacular villains.
One of the most volatile periods of western history witnessed the passing of the Dark Ages and the dawning of the Renaissance, illuminated by magnificent scientific and artistic achievements and spectacular leaps of thought and imagination. Manchester’s narrative weaves together extraordinary figures, varied elements, and accomplishments of the period.
Critics Review
-
“Manchester provides easy access to a fascinating age when our modern mentality was just being born.”
Chicago Tribune
-
“Lively and engaging, full of exquisite details and anecdotes that transform this period—usually murky—into a comprehensive tableau.”
Dallas Morning News
-
“A captivating, marvelously vivid popular history that humanizes the tumultuous span from the Dark Ages to the dawn of the Renaissance.”
Publishers Weekly
-
“Manchester has not forgotten the skills that, with invective, eloquence, and anecdote, make him a master storyteller.”
Kirkus Reviews
See more reviews See fewer reviews
-
“An absorbing and readable history.”
School Library Journal
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- William Manchester
- Narrator
- Barrett Whitener
- Duration
- 11 hours 37 minutes
- Release Date
- 1 March 2007
- ISBN
- 9781483063157
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Genre
- European history: Renaissance
Synopsis
The preeminent popular history of civilization’s rebirth after the Dark AgesFrom tales of chivalrous knights to the barbarity of trial by ordeal, no era has been a greater source of awe, horror, and wonder than the Middle Ages. In handsomely crafted prose and with the grace and authority of his extraordinary gift for narrative history, William Manchester leads us from a civilization tottering on the brink of collapse to the grandeur of its rebirth, the Renaissance, a dense explosion of energy that spawned some of history’s greatest poets, philosophers, and painters, as well as some of its most spectacular villains.One of the most volatile periods of western history witnessed the passing of the Dark Ages and the dawning of the Renaissance, illuminated by magnificent scientific and artistic achievements and spectacular leaps of thought and imagination. Manchester’s narrative weaves together extraordinary figures, varied elements, and accomplishments of the period.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.