
A World Lit Only by Fire
The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age
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Narrated by:
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Barrett Whitener
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Critic reviews
"An absorbing and readable history." (School Library Journal)
"Manchester provides easy access to a fascinating age when our modern mentality was just being born." (Chicago Tribune)
"Manchester has not forgotten the skills that, with invective, eloquence, and anecdote, make him a master storyteller."(Kirkus Reviews)
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My Favorite After 20 Years
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, there's much we can learn about contemporary times by studying history.What was one of the most memorable moments of A World Lit Only by Fire?
The gross abuses of the Church.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Too much for one setting. Vast scope and lengthy. Can't wait to return to another chapter each day. I listen as I walk or exercise.Any additional comments?
I'm in the midst of listening right now. Manchester writes popular history, not scholarly. He makes some broad generalizations. And, he covers a vast amount of territory, time, and personalities to weave together a narrative that keeps my interest, touches on items of significance to Europe and the Ottoman Empire, and is not afraid to point out the gross sins of The Church (as the Catholic Church then was called). Manchester's writing is stirring my interest in going deeper. This time period fascinates me.Engaging narrative of an unknown world
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Great book
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Title isn't accurate
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This is one of them. Excellent!
Manchester the Great!
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An excellent portrait of an age.
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Easily the best book I've read on history.
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Would you listen to A World Lit Only by Fire again? Why?
I re-listen to it all the time. When I can't sleep, this is a surefire way to drift off. It's fascinating stuff. And the perfect degree of dryness, so that I can fall asleep guiltless.What was one of the most memorable moments of A World Lit Only by Fire?
To be sure, it has to be the section on Martin Luther, a certifiable nut job of the first order! I sleep like a baby until old Barrett starts reading the writings of this bat case and I pop awake completely riveted. How on earth does anyone take Martin Luther seriously?Which scene was your favorite?
Without a doubt it's ol' Martin's fascination with bodily processes. How does anyone read this and not go into hysterical convulsions? Really! And all of it read in Barrett's entertaining monotone. It has the quality of a computer reading porn. Insanely, and, I'm sure, unintentionally funny!Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Nothing in particular.Any additional comments?
This is a fascinating book that is unintentionally hilarious to me. I listen to parts of it all the time because it is William Manchester after all. For some reason it just tickles me.A Cure For Insomnia
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Great book for a simple but a butchery time
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Manchester gives you the highlights of art, the church, exploration, political chicanery, and science, and you will finish this book intending to learn more about the age that birthed our own.
My only regret is that the book is not four times as long with this masterful storyteller entertaining me more.
You will want more...
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