Another well constructed narrative history from Tom Holland focusing on the role of religion (Christianity and Islam) on the cultural and geopolitical evolution of Europe during the Middle Ages centering around the millennium plus or minus a decade. Holland makes a cogent argument that the millennium itself played an important role in how Europeans viewed their world and their future. It is not simply a date. It is a date that carried much importance due to its connection with the birth of Christ and the second coming. Though I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was not quite up to "page turner" status. In part I think this is because many of the main characters were not well known to me. An important contribution to our understanding of this time period and a generally entertaining read as well.

Another well constructed narrative history from Tom Holland focusing on the role of religion (Christianity and Islam) on the cultural and geopolitical evolution of Europe during the Middle Ages centering around the millennium plus or minus a decade. Holland makes a cogent argument that the millennium itself played an important role in how Europeans viewed their world and their future. It is not simply a date. It is a date that carried much importance due to its connection with the birth of Christ and the second coming. Though I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was not quite up to "page turner" status. In part I think this is because many of the main characters were not well known to me. An important contribution to our understanding of this time period and a generally entertaining read as well.

Another well constructed narrative history from Tom Holland focusing on the role of religion (Christianity and Islam) on the cultural and geopolitical evolution of Europe during the Middle Ages centering around the millennium plus or minus a decade. Holland makes a cogent argument that the millennium itself played an important role in how Europeans viewed their world and their future. It is not simply a date. It is a date that carried much importance due to its connection with the birth of Christ and the second coming. Though I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was not quite up to "page turner" status. In part I think this is because many of the main characters were not well known to me. An important contribution to our understanding of this time period and a generally entertaining read as well.

My expectations were high when I heard the premise of the book. That the expectation of Christ's return led to a revolution in the church, which led to the crusades. Still, the book exceeded my expectations, as Holland weaves threads together like a work of fiction. His breezy, ironic style contrasts so perfectly with the earnestness and epicness of the times of which he writes, yet he doesn't patronize his subjects. A true gem.

My expectations were high when I heard the premise of the book. That the expectation of Christ's return led to a revolution in the church, which led to the crusades. Still, the book exceeded my expectations, as Holland weaves threads together like a work of fiction. His breezy, ironic style contrasts so perfectly with the earnestness and epicness of the times of which he writes, yet he doesn't patronize his subjects. A true gem.