51 pages • 1 hour read
Ole Jørgen BenedictowThe Black Death 1346-1353: The Complete History
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Black Death, 1346-1353: The Complete History by Ole Jørgen Benedictow provides an analytical and synthetic demographic, social, and medical history of the bubonic plague's spread across Western Europe during the 14th century. Benedictow argues that black rats and fleas were the primary carriers of the bacteria and critiques previous scholars' assertions about the disease. The book emphasizes that shipping and heavily trafficked roads facilitated the pandemic’s spread and posits a higher mortality rate, up to 60%, affecting millions and shaping European society profoundly, from labor shortages and economic changes to shifts in public health initiatives and art.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Black Death 1346-1353 by Ole Jørgen Benedictow offers an exhaustive exploration of the pandemic's impact on medieval Europe, praised for its detailed research and comprehensive analysis. However, some readers find it dense and overly academic, potentially overwhelming for casual readers. Ideal for medieval scholars but may deter general audiences due to its depth and complexity.
Who Should Read The Black Death 1346-1353?
A reader fascinated by medieval history, epidemiology, or the socio-economic impacts of pandemics would enjoy The Black Death 1346-1353 by Ole Jørgen Benedictow. Comparable to John Kelly's The Great Mortality, this book offers a detailed, scholarly analysis of the Black Death's pervasive effects. Ideal for history buffs and academic researchers alike.