The Birth of the West
- Author Paul Collins
- Narrator Grover Gardner
- Publisher Blackstone Publishing
- Run Time 21 hours and 30 minutes
- Format Audio
- Genre European history, European history: medieval period, middle ages, History, Travel and holiday.
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What to expect
The tenth century dawned in violence and disorder. Charlemagne’s empire was in ruins, most of Spain had been claimed by Moorish invaders, and even the papacy in Rome was embroiled in petty, provincial conflicts. To many historians, it was a prime example of the ignorance and uncertainty of the Dark Ages. Yet according to historian Paul Collins, the story of the tenth century is the story of our culture’s birth, of the emergence of our civilization into the light of day.
The Birth of the West tells the story of a transformation from chaos to order, exploring the alien landscape of Europe in transition. It is a fascinating narrative that thoroughly renovates older conceptions of feudalism and what medieval life was actually like. The result is a wholly new vision of how civilization sprang from the unlikeliest of origins, and proof that our tenth-century ancestors are not as remote as we might think.
Critics Review
“A lively, full-to-bursting history of the turbulent tenth century in Europe…Collins presents chaotic upheaval across Europe in an organized and riveting fashion.”
“Writing with a supple prose and an eye for colorful detail and vivid characters, Collins…sketches an illuminating interpretation.”
“A well-done study suitable for both scholars and general readers.”
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