Waterstones The History of the Renaissance World

Author: doc peterson

Rating: 5

Review: Bauer's book would be more appropriately titled "A History of the Late Middle Ages" - or, to be more Euro-centric, "The High Middle Ages," the book really ending when the Renaissance began (in 1453). For those seeking a book on the Renaissance proper, look elsewhere, but do give this marvelous history your attention as well. There is much to recommend here (the confusion of the time period not withstanding.) First, this is truly a "world history" - not the typical Euro-centric history with the obligatory nod to civilizations in the Near East and Asia. While much attention is paid to the political goings on in Europe (about 45% of the book), attention and detail is also given to civilizations in Africa (5%), Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia (about 10%), India (10%), China and the Mongols (12%), the Near East and Byzantium (16%) and the Americas (2%). The narrative thread shows the growing interconnectedness between civilizations in terms of economics, culture, religion and politics. Second, the depth and detail Bauer provides in relating a world history is astonishing. Each chapter is between 6 - 8 pages, but they are packed with information about political interrelationships and the aims, goals and hopes of various groups and families from popes to emperors to pretenders to the throne. This makes for a relatively fast-paced read, but it also gives a solid overview of the forces at play. Finally, the writing is superb. Bauer's prose is fluid and geared to a general audience which makes the reading easy and entertaining. Her works cited is extensive and comprehensive with a super-abundance of really outstanding works for those interested in more detail on a given topic, time period or event. In spite of my prickliness regarding the title, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a well-written history with a genuinely global scope.

Author: AL

Rating: 4

Review: If you love history, you'll love this book. Provides a great overview of the major historical developments in an evolutionary time. It covers the major players from kings, popes and emperors to the Mongols, caliphs and rebels. Baur covers a lot of ground with great detail and manages to make it clear and tell a story. Really helps tie all the pieces together across Europe, the Middle East, India, China and the far east, with a liberal dose of Mongol horde as well. The book's progress is easy to follow with timelines and maps that help put each chapter's events into context. The periods many palace intrigues, crusades, overthrows and related butchery are described in a matter-of-fact fashion that lets the reader imagine what was really happening. Overall, a very good read for the history lover.