The Forge of Christendom Audiobook By Tom Holland cover art

The Forge of Christendom

The End of Days and the Epic Rise of the West

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The Forge of Christendom

By: Tom Holland
Narrated by: James A. Gillies
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About this listen

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
Ancient Historical History Medieval Ministry & Evangelism Western Western Europe Emotionally Gripping
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What listeners say about The Forge of Christendom

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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17 people found this helpful

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Epic history with brilliant Narration

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

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1 person found this helpful

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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.

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Riveting and wonderfully narrated

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

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Not his best work IMHO# To much phoney dramatizat

It seems as though Holland has written in a manner that can be best described as too clever by a half,

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3 people found this helpful

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Great Narrative History

Imminently listenable. Manageable scope. Fun. But also detailed and accurate. Well narrated. I recommend this book.

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Very Interesting

An important part of history that is relevant to world culture today. balanced and free of propaganda.

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Phenomenal, history written as it should be.

I know a lot about this topic, and Holland not only gets it right, but he does so with a verve and narrative power that is astounding. If you care about Western Civilization, this book is a must. One of the best history books I have ever read.

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Bravo!

A masterful achievement. As a student of church history, few books I’ve read have accomplished what Holland has here.

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Probably better read than listened to

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

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1 person found this helpful