The Forge of Christendom

The End of Days and the Epic Rise of the West

De: Tom Holland

Narrado por: James A. Gillies

At the approach of the first millennium, the Christians of Europe did not seem likely candidates for future greatness. Weak, fractured, and hemmed in by hostile nations, they saw no future beyond the widely anticipated Second Coming of Christ.

But when the world did not end, the peoples of Western Europe suddenly found themselves with no choice but to begin the heroic task of building a Jerusalem on Earth.

In The Forge of Christendom, Tom Holland masterfully describes this remarkable new age, a time of caliphs and Viking sea kings, the spread of castles, and the invention of knighthood. It was one of the most significant departure points in history: the emergence of Western Europe as a distinctive and expansionist power.

©2008 Tom Holland (P)2018 Tantor

A mile wide and an inch deep

This book covers a wide swath of early Christian history and details how encounters with various European groups shaped its evolution. Unfortunately because it covers so many topics the detail is often lacking to make a solid connection with the peoples and historical figures described and glosses over many historical events.

Epic history with brilliant Narration

I found it thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. I highly recommend it to medieval history fans.

Great academics, great story

This reads like a stunningly studied Ph. D. thesis, drawing all pieces together and presenting a picture of the time and how it relates to the central event in seamless fashion. This isn't to say it's dry and unreadable by non-experts; this is not the case at all. I was exceptionally impressed.

Riveting and wonderfully narrated

If you’re a fan of history, do yourself a favor and give this a listen.

Probably better read than listened to

There is a lot going on in this book. It is hard to follow by listening.