Greengrass starts talking about Luther at about page 300. but I’m going to jump ahead to this book & continue with the series & come back to book 4 when its available. Share your thoughts Complete your review. Same thing with the English Civil Wars and the violence of the Steppe that overlapped the period. Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. LibraryThing Review User Review - EmreSevinc - LibraryThing. Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. “Christendom Destroyed is a magnificent achievement. And in the ensuing conflicts, people suffered. The final 150 pages or so turn back from a religious focus to military and geopolitical history. Greengrass spent way more energy, time, words, pages cataloging wars and battles for my taste while I prefer human characters and interactions. -- Kirkus Reviews "Christendom Destroyed is a magnificent achievement. I wanted to find a good history read about this period and this book is superb. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. It was reflected in the mirror of America, and refracted by the eclipse of Crusade in ambiguous relationships with the Ottomans and Orthodox Christianity. This book looks at the Reformation and Wars of Religion period in 16th and 17th century Europe. A horrible book to read with a lost anchor. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Then a few 100 pages later Westphelia is covered in 2 pages. To see what your friends thought of this book. This is a whirlwind tour of a very tumultuous period of Europe. Narrator. Unfortunately, I don't think the author does an adequate job of demonstrating the validity of the concept of Christendom, or more specifically, documenting that it was a meaningful term throughout the area in question, and perceived across that geographic diversity in consistent. More from the same. Christendom Destroyed - Europe 1517-1648 (Mark Greengrass, 2014) Saw a favorable review, and am trying to get a better handle on this period (some overlap with this book, for example). A good read that should lead you wanting more information on the topics that interest you most. There are sections of text which provide a bit too much information and could be shortened somehow, since the majority of readers are themselves not historians and do not require the extent of evidence and argument that is given - in places the book reads slightly like a thesis paper, though that is indeed a difficult balance to maintain, I know - but overall, it is an engaging and pleasant read. This volume organizes a very broad and complex topic, the history of a continent through 130 years, around a relatively simple concept: that at the beginning of the period, there was Christendom, and at the end, Europe. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We are not makers of history. Also, a couple nice little flourishes of dry and permissible humor. Overall, while not an easy book, Christendom Destroyed illuminates all corners of the continent, offers a coherent interpretative framework and repays close engagement with individual findings—at least to the extent that the series format allows. A couple pages each. Geographical and scientific discoveries challenged the unity of Christendom as a belief community. Their suffering was compounded by climatic conditions that resulted in years of poor harvests. Book Review: ‘Christendom Destroyed’ by Mark Greengrass - WSJ Europe’s Carnival of Death Medieval Europe was internally stable but externally aggressive. Nope. A big picture look at all of Europe over a larger time than 1517-1648. So there is clearly a lot more than the Reformation and the 30 Years War. Their suffering was compounded by climatic conditions that resulted in years of poor harvests. Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2017 . However, I thought it was a little hard to follow in some ways for the general, non-expert, reader. There are insights on every page. An amazing historical period of epic proportions, about which I previously knew little. Ostensibly a book covering the religious cataclysm that engulfed Europe between Luther's 95 theses and the peace of Westphalia, the first 250 pages barely touch religion at all as Greengrass takes us on a whirlwind tour of the intellectual and cultural changes that Europe underwent in this period as post-Renaissance Christendom morphed into Enlightenment Europe. Christendom Destroyed is a rich tapestry that fosters a deeper understanding of Europe's identity today. Find it on Amazon. Excellent history. Same thing with the English Civil Wars and the violence of the Steppe that overlapped the period. Recommended to Jan-Maat by: Ilse. It might have been better if the author had focused on creating case studies of various country or regions in Europe, and how they changed during this period. Be the first to review this product Book Summary: The title of this book is Christendom Destroyed and it was written by Mark Greengrass. After this he zooms in on the politico-religious developments of the 16th and 17th century. There are insights on every page. The Pusuit of Glory is magnificent and highly recommendable, but I don't believe it matters which book you begin with. But while there were endless interesting items in the book - I think the scope was overwhelming, at least for me. A couple pages each. This latest addition to the landmark Penguin History of Europe series is a fascinating study of 16th and 17th century Europe and the fundamental changes which led to the collapse of Christendom and established the geographical and political frameworks of Western Europe as we know it. With this title I presumed things would start with the 95 Theses at Wittenberg. Christendom Destroyed by Mark Greengrass, 9780141978529, available at Book Depository with free delivery worldwide. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Christendom Destroyed: Europe 1517-1648 (The Penguin History of Europe) at Amazon.com. In Stock $52.99. The reality is the book is well researched but covers too much and doesn't do justice to any one topic. "Christendom Destroyed is a magnificent achievement. Reviews; Previous Projects; Future Projects; Mark Greengrass ; Blog; Home. The first 250 pages are an engaging and useful study of the period itself--an examination of commerce, national interests, population, etc., all done with excellent perspective. FROM THE ECONOMIST (Aug 2, 2014) ... Mr Greengrass pays exhaustive attention to every detail in the post-Luther battles over religious doctrine, which he rightly sees as the underlying cause of most of its wars, culminating in both the Thirty Years War and the English civil war. Chronicling these dramatic changes, Thomas More, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Cervantes created works that continue to resonate with us. Allen Lane; 722 pages; £30. As the title suggested, the main highlight of the book would be the Prostestant's Reformation and to my surprise, not so much on the Counter-Reformation. And in the ensuing conflicts, people suffered. Please try again later. Share your thoughts Complete your review. It is either the author trying to boost sales or somebody else. ‘Christendom Destroyed’ captures a great deal of truth about the wrenching transitions of the early modern age…. With this title I presumed things would start with the 95 Theses at Wittenberg. Read "Christendom Destroyed Europe 1517-1648" by Mark Greengrass available from Rakuten Kobo. Top positive review. See all 32 positive reviews › Eric C. Petersen. From peasants to princes, no one was untouched by the spiritual and intellectual upheaval of the si I have to say immediately that this will be brief and from a layman's perspective, because my knowledge of history is limited to my sporadic consumption of dense history books such as this one. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published It seems strange to us now, but people once fought over things like infant baptism or the nature of the Eucharist. There are insights on every page. Christendom Destroyed “Mark Greengrass’s gripping, major, original account of Europe in an era of tumultuous change. And in the ensuing conflicts, people suffered. Chronicling these dramatic changes, Thomas More, Shakespeare, Montaigne and Cervantes created works which continue to resonate with us. christendom destroyed europe 1517 1648 the penguin history of europe Nov 08, 2020 Posted By Jir? Europe, with all its divisions, emerged instead as a geographical projection. I suppose what I'm asking is, should I start here? Buy the Paperback Book Christendom Destroyed: Europe 1517-1648 by Mark Greengrass at Indigo.ca, Canada's largest bookstore. Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. Mark Greengrass's gripping, major, original account of Europe in … This book looks at the Reformation and Wars of Religion period in 16th and 17th century Europe. From peasants to princes, no one was untouched by the spiritual and intellectual upheaval. Using the histories of well-chosen cities and countries as examples for each discussion, Greengrass reveals that it was ‘curiosity [that] destroyed Christendom.’” Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. The review of 'Christendom Destroyed' by Mark Greengrass in The Economist contains some serious errors and misconceptions. Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. That being said, it is wonderfully written, concise and descriptive; it maintains an academic tone while simultaneously being engaging. It is too vast a stage with a cast of thousands, where I have trouble seeing the forest because of the many trees. Trying to read it casually was difficult because of the unbelievable complexity of the times - hundreds of territories, duchies, commonwealths and other political entities, aside from the French and Spanish kingdoms, all of w. An amazing historical period of epic proportions, about which I previously knew little. Preview this book » What people are saying - Write a review. It will lead you to explore many facets of the life and history around the Reformation. Rate it … And in the ensuing conflicts, people suffered. From peasants to princes, no one was untouched by the spiritual and intellectual upheaval of the si Well written and engaging. Anyone interested in this period of transition from "Christendom" to "Europe" will want to read this book. He does a good job of trying to synthesize it all into something that's not dum-dum causation but without just listing random events, and if he maybe goes into a lot of detail, I think it's in aid of respecting his reader's intelligence without expecting his reader to be a subject matter expert. “Europe’s enduring localism, which had been the weak link in Christendom, became in turn the Achilles heel of the dynastic state.”. Spanning the years 1517 to 1648, 'Christendom Destroyed' is Mark Greengrass's magnum opus: a rich tapestry that fosters a deeper understanding of Europe's identity today--Includes bibliographical references and index Notes. Find Out More and Purchase the Book. A broad history of Europe during the Reformation and the Wars of Religion that covers culture & society, economics, and, obviously, religion & politics. The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle; Memories, Dreams, Reflections; The Devil and the Dark Water; What listeners say about Christendom Destroyed. Greengrass starts talking about Luther at about page 300. This mammoth covered all aspects you could imagine in 1517-1648 Europe. Unfortunately, I don't think the author does an adequate job of demonstrating the validity of the concept of Christendom, or more specifically, documenting that it was a meaningful term throughout the area in question, and perceived across that geographic diversity in consistent ways. Verified Purchase. It is too vast a stage with a cast of thousands, where I have trouble seeing the forest because of the many trees. Cut off text on maps. It was published by Viking and has a total of 752 pages in the book. Christendom Destroyed. Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. Book Review. ©2014 Mark Greengrass (P)2019 Tantor . Christendom Destroyed is a rich tapestry that fosters a deeper understanding of Europe’s identity today. It is well-written, well-researched, and full of information. I learned a lot and this will help in future readings about this time, so I give it four stars for coverage of events; but the somewhat elegant writing style and overabundance of details drag down the final score to three stars. from the start of the Lutheran revolt against the Roman Catholic church until the end of the thirty-years’ war. However, the author does a good job of putting the Reformation in its historical context, and particularly explaining how Catholic Christendom in the Middle Ages was not nearly as united as many believe. 4.0 out of 5 stars Great addition to an already excellent series on the history of Europe. This does not inspire confidence in the review writer’s ability to offer an informed assessment of the book. Greengrass starts with describing common life during the 16th and 17th centuries (living conditions, science/philosophy, discoveries in the New World, colonialism, communication and printing). If you are one day sitting at home and suddenly think to yourself: 'Gee, I sure would like to know more about the history of Europe during the 16th and part of the 17th century with a focus on The Reformation and the Thirty Years War', then this is definitely the book for you. Terribly written book, full of statistics and short of analysis. There are sections of text which provide a bit too much information and could be shortened somehow, since the majority of readers are themselves not historians and do not. February 15, 2015. This does not inspire confidence in the review writer’s ability to offer an informed assessment of the book. The details on social structure and daily life were fascinating and full of rich details. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. But while there were endless interesting items in the book - I think the scope was overwhelming, at least for me. by Mark Greengrass. This latest addition to the landmark Penguin History of Europe series is a fascinating study of 16th and 17th century Europe and the fundamental changes which led to the collapse of Christendom and established the geographical and political frameworks of Western Europe as we know it. Engagingly written, remarkably comprehensive in scope, impeccable in its scholarship, it should find a wide readership which will be rewarded with a new understanding of one of the most decisive eras in European history. The final 150 pages or so turn back from a religious focus to milit. The Reformation turned the conflict inward. Christendom Destroyed: Europe 1517–1648 by Mark Greengrass. His thesis is that the cultural construct of Christendom gave way to the more secular understanding of Europe as first the Reformation destroyed forever the consensus of faith (one admittedly enforced at times through considerable violence) and then the combination of global exploration and scientific endeavour raised new challenges to traditional viewpoints. Format: Paperback Change. Listen to "Christendom Destroyed Europe 1517-1648" by Mark Greengrass available from Rakuten Kobo. The subsequent divisions, fed by dynastic rivalries and military changes, fundamentally altered the relations between ruler and ruled. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The reformation and the counter-reformation resulted in a series of political battles that have marked Europe to this day. The earth has been heating and cooling for millennia without the attendant hysteria. There are insights on every page. by Viking. This is a massive book, not simply in size but in scope and ambition. Too many details, too many countries/regions, too many moving parts. christendom destroyed europe 1517 1648 the penguin history of europe Nov 09, 2020 Posted By Debbie Macomber Ltd ... review oxford academic this is a weighty book with a big thesis that the period usually demarcated by the indulgence affair and the peace of westphalia saw the demise of This book fills in that gap; however, I still don't understand it well. with admirable clarity and a notable lack of condescension.”—Wall Street Journal “An immensely well-informed, informative and engaging account of the disintegration of “Christendom… My preference is for history that brings the people alive; nevertheless Greengrass covers the ground he set out to cover (no pun intended) and does it well in his style. Like its companion volumes, [Christendom Destroyed] is no breezy survey but a masterly synthesis of depth and breadth. Christendom Destroyed: Europe 1517-1648: Greengrass, Mark: 9780713990867: Books - Amazon.ca ... Peter Marshall, Literary Review (UK) “A tour de force of scholarship that begins with a gradual and accessible buildup and then descends, like the century, into a convulsion of dynastic entanglements.”— Kirkus Reviews “Amagnificent achievement. This was a thorough over view of the religious and geopolitical changes going on in Europe during one of the most controversial times in European history. A period spanning 130 years that started with one of the most famous schisms in Christianity, a period of radical changes in climate, effecting lives of kings and peasants alike. The reformation and the counter-reformation resulted in a series of political battles that have marked Europe to this day. The Wall Street Journal The political and religious conflicts of early modern Europe receive high-quality treatment from Greengrass.... an excellent addition to the new Penguin History of Europe.