The Black Death: A New History of the Great Mortality in Europe, 1347-1500

by John Aberth

In The Black Death: A New History of the Great Mortality in Europe, 1347-1500, leading scholar John Aberth provides the most authoritative, up-to-date treatment of the Black Death, giving not just a narrative account but also a thorough examination of the latest forensic, historical, and DNA evidence to date. Offering new information, research, and debates that have not been covered before in previous works, this unique text is poised to become the new standard resource on the Black Death.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

John Aberth serves as associate academic dean at Castleton State College, where he teaches history.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like others, I'm conflicted as to how to review this book. It is well-researched, and approaches the Black Death from many different angles, from microbiological to anthropological to historical. However, the author makes some deeply problematic arguments and frequently takes potshots at other academics in the field in a way that is unbecoming.

I was fine approaching the book as flawed-but-useful up until the chapter on the Jewish pogroms, or the "artificial poison conspiracy," as Aberth re-names it. His takes in this chapter are, to put it mildly, rancid. Other reviewers have rebutted his arguments better and in more detail than I can. His assertions are at best negligent and at worst flat-out antisemitic. From that point forward I really could not bring myself to trust his expertise or enjoy the read at all.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but has a handful of problematic arguments. I had issues with his take on the Jewish pogroms. I felt he was attempting to justify the Christian’s and their violence and anti-Judaism.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Offers a decent historical summary of medieval pandemic. Not very clear on the debate over the economic consequences of the pandemic. Weak in most places where the author attempts revisionism, e.g. regarding the flagellant movements. The revisionist take on the antisemitic pogroms which accompanied the medieval pandemic is unconvincing and sloppy.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

After watching a documentary about the Black Death, I decided I wanted to know more about it and found this book. I learned a lot, but it is heavy on science which really isn't my thing. And the author reveals his woke mind virus in the epilogue -- could have done without that.

[Chris Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The butler did it.