Synopses & Reviews
From 1348 to 1350 Europe was devastated by an epidemic that left between a third and one half of the population dead. This source book traces, through contemporary writings, the calamitous impact of the Black Death in Europe, with a particular emphasis on its spread across England from 1348 to 1349.
Rosemary Horrox surveys contemporary attempts to explain the plague, which was universally regarded as an expression of divine vengeance for the sins of humankind. Moralists all had their particular targets for criticism. However, this emphasis on divine chastisement did not preclude attempts to explain the plague in medical or scientific terms. Also, there was a widespread belief that human agencies had been involved, and such scapegoats as foreigners, the poor and Jews were all accused of poisoning wells. The final section of the book charts the social and psychological impact of the plague, and its effect on the late-medieval economy.
Synopsis
In the year of the Lord 1349 the hand of Almighty God struck the human race a deadly blow, which... attacked all the kingdoms of the world.' Between a third and a half of the population of Europe died in the epedemic of 1348 to 1350, and it seemed at the time none would be spared. A friar in Kilkenny left blank pages at the end of his chronicle in case anyone should still be alive in the future and any son of Adam can escape this pestilence and continue the work thus begun', a copyist recording at the end of the text Here it seems the author died'. This source book contains over 120 such contemporary writings concerning the impact of the plague in the British Isles and continental Europe, including narrative accounts, the religious response, scientific explanations, and repercussions.
Synopsis
This series provides texts central to medieval studies courses and focuses upon the diverse cultural, social and political conditions that affected the functioning of all levels of medieval society. Translations are accompanied by introductory and explanatory material and each volume includes a comprehensive guide to the sources' interpretation, including discussion of critical linguistic problems and an assessment of recent research on the topics covered. From 1348 to 1350 Europe was devastated by an epidemic that left between a third and one half of the population dead. This source book traces, through contemporary writings, the calamitous impact of the Black Death in Europe, with a particular emphasis on its spread across England from 1348 to 1349. Rosemary Horrox surveys contemporary attempts to explain the plague, which was universally regarded as an expression of divine vengeance for the sins of humankind. Moralists all had their particular targets for criticism. However, this emphasis on divine chastisement did not preclude attempts to explain the plague in medical or scientific terms. Also, there was a widespread belief that human agencies had been involved, and such scapegoats as foreigners, the poor and Jews were all accused of poisoning wells. The final section of the book charts the social and psychological impact of the plague, and its effect on the late-medieval economy.
Synopsis
This book surveys contemporary responses to the Black Death. The sources illustrate the fear that spread with the disease and the diverse ways that such terror influenced social behaviour.
Synopsis
This source book traces, through contemporary writings, the calamitous impact of the Black Death in Europe, with particular reference to its spread across England from 1345 to 1349.
About the Author
Rosemary Horrox is Fellow in History, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.
Table of Contents
Part I: Narrative Accounts
1. The Plague in Continental Europe
2. The Plague in the British Isles
Part II: Explanations and Responses
3. The Religious Response
4. Scientific Explanations
5. Human Agency
Part III: Consequences
6. The Impact of the Plague
7. Repercussions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Index