The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague
Buy Now for $43.80
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Dorsey Armstrong
-
Written by:
-
Dorsey Armstrong
-
The Great Courses
About this listen
Many of us know the Black Death as a catastrophic event of the medieval world. But the Black Death was arguably the most significant event in Western history, profoundly affecting every aspect of human life, from the economic and social to the political, religious, and cultural. In its wake the plague left a world that was utterly changed, forever altering the traditional structure of European societies and forcing a rethinking of every single system of Western civilization: food production and trade, the church, political institutions, law, art, and more. In large measure, by the profundity of the changes it brought, the Black Death produced the modern world we live in today.
While the story of the Black Death is one of destruction and loss, its breathtaking scope and effects make it one of the most compelling and deeply intriguing episodes in human history. Understanding the remarkable unfolding of the plague and its aftermath provides a highly revealing window not only on the medieval world but also on the forces that brought about the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and modernity itself.
Speaking to the full magnitude of this world-changing historical moment, The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague, taught by celebrated medievalist Dorsey Armstrong of Purdue University, takes you on an unforgettable excursion into the time period of the plague, its full human repercussions, and its transformative effects on European civilization. In 24 richly absorbing lectures, you'll follow the path of the epidemic in its complete trajectory across medieval Europe. Majestic in scope and remarkable in detail, this course goes to the heart of one of Western history's most catalytic and galvanizing moments, the effects of which gave us the modern world.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2016 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2016 The Great CoursesYou may also enjoy...
-
The New Testament
- Written by: Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Bart D. Ehrman
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 51
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 49
Whether taken as a book of faith or a cultural artifact, the New Testament is among the most significant writings the world has ever known, its web of meaning relied upon by virtually every major writer in the last 2,000 years. Yet the New Testament is not only one of Western civilization’s most believed books, but also one of its most widely disputed, often maligned, and least clearly understood, with a vast number of people unaware of how it was written and transmitted.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Good stuff
- By Miranda on 2018-09-15
Written by: Bart D. Ehrman, and others
-
1066: The Year That Changed Everything
- Written by: Jennifer Paxton, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jennifer Paxton
- Length: 3 hrs
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 141
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 124
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 123
With this exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history, centered on the landmark Norman Conquest. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, these lectures will plunge you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and much more.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
1066
- By Alicia Roy on 2019-01-02
Written by: Jennifer Paxton, and others
-
Years That Changed History: 1215
- Written by: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 18
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 17
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 17
What is so important about the year 1215? There are some history buffs who may be able to tell you that 1215 is the year the Magna Carta was signed, but there are even fewer who know that King John of England’s acceptance of this charter was only one of four major, world-changing events of this significant year. In fact, the social, cultural, political, geographical, and religious shifts that occurred in this year alone had such a huge impact on the entire world, it warrants an entire course of study for anyone truly interested in the pivotal points of history....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Thoroughly enjoyable
- By Jeff Longon on 2023-04-23
Written by: Dorsey Armstrong, and others
-
How the Earth Works
- Written by: Michael E. Wysession, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Michael E. Wysession
- Length: 24 hrs and 31 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 27
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23
How the Earth Works takes you on an astonishing journey through time and space. In 48 lectures, you will look at what went into making our planet - from the big bang, to the formation of the solar system, to the subsequent evolution of Earth.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
very informative
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-04-19
Written by: Michael E. Wysession, and others
-
Language Families of the World
- Written by: John McWhorter, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 130
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 112
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 111
Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University takes you back through time and around the world, following the linguistic trails left by generations of humans that lead back to the beginnings of language. Utilizing historical theories and cutting-edge research, these 34 astonishing lectures will introduce you to the major language families of the world and their many offspring, including a variety of languages that are no longer spoken but provide vital links between past and present.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Lecturer is quite a character!
- By Kindle Customer on 2019-07-28
Written by: John McWhorter, and others
-
Chemistry and Our Universe
- How It All Works
- Written by: Ron B. Davis, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Ron B. Davis
- Length: 30 hrs and 6 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 37
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 32
Chemistry and Our Universe: How It All Works is your in-depth introduction to this vital field, taught through 60 engaging half-hour lectures that are suitable for any background or none at all. Covering a year’s worth of introductory general chemistry at the college level, plus intriguing topics that are rarely discussed in the classroom, this amazingly comprehensive course requires nothing more advanced than high-school math. Your guide is Professor Ron B. Davis, Jr., a research chemist and award-winning teacher at Georgetown University.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent survey of chemistry
- By Shesophist on 2020-07-21
Written by: Ron B. Davis, and others
-
The New Testament
- Written by: Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Bart D. Ehrman
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 51
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 49
Whether taken as a book of faith or a cultural artifact, the New Testament is among the most significant writings the world has ever known, its web of meaning relied upon by virtually every major writer in the last 2,000 years. Yet the New Testament is not only one of Western civilization’s most believed books, but also one of its most widely disputed, often maligned, and least clearly understood, with a vast number of people unaware of how it was written and transmitted.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Good stuff
- By Miranda on 2018-09-15
Written by: Bart D. Ehrman, and others
-
1066: The Year That Changed Everything
- Written by: Jennifer Paxton, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jennifer Paxton
- Length: 3 hrs
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 141
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 124
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 123
With this exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history, centered on the landmark Norman Conquest. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, these lectures will plunge you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and much more.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
1066
- By Alicia Roy on 2019-01-02
Written by: Jennifer Paxton, and others
-
Years That Changed History: 1215
- Written by: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 18
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 17
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 17
What is so important about the year 1215? There are some history buffs who may be able to tell you that 1215 is the year the Magna Carta was signed, but there are even fewer who know that King John of England’s acceptance of this charter was only one of four major, world-changing events of this significant year. In fact, the social, cultural, political, geographical, and religious shifts that occurred in this year alone had such a huge impact on the entire world, it warrants an entire course of study for anyone truly interested in the pivotal points of history....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Thoroughly enjoyable
- By Jeff Longon on 2023-04-23
Written by: Dorsey Armstrong, and others
-
How the Earth Works
- Written by: Michael E. Wysession, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Michael E. Wysession
- Length: 24 hrs and 31 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 27
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23
How the Earth Works takes you on an astonishing journey through time and space. In 48 lectures, you will look at what went into making our planet - from the big bang, to the formation of the solar system, to the subsequent evolution of Earth.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
very informative
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-04-19
Written by: Michael E. Wysession, and others
-
Language Families of the World
- Written by: John McWhorter, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 130
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 112
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 111
Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University takes you back through time and around the world, following the linguistic trails left by generations of humans that lead back to the beginnings of language. Utilizing historical theories and cutting-edge research, these 34 astonishing lectures will introduce you to the major language families of the world and their many offspring, including a variety of languages that are no longer spoken but provide vital links between past and present.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Lecturer is quite a character!
- By Kindle Customer on 2019-07-28
Written by: John McWhorter, and others
-
Chemistry and Our Universe
- How It All Works
- Written by: Ron B. Davis, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Ron B. Davis
- Length: 30 hrs and 6 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 37
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 32
Chemistry and Our Universe: How It All Works is your in-depth introduction to this vital field, taught through 60 engaging half-hour lectures that are suitable for any background or none at all. Covering a year’s worth of introductory general chemistry at the college level, plus intriguing topics that are rarely discussed in the classroom, this amazingly comprehensive course requires nothing more advanced than high-school math. Your guide is Professor Ron B. Davis, Jr., a research chemist and award-winning teacher at Georgetown University.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent survey of chemistry
- By Shesophist on 2020-07-21
Written by: Ron B. Davis, and others
What listeners say about The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Xyo
- 2023-05-11
Very interesting!
I didn't know nearly as much as I thought I did about one of histories most traumatic events. It was fascinating as a result to learn just how much the Great Pestilence impacted not just society but the cultures of art and literature for centuries to come.
Both the material and its presenter are excellent!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tracy
- 2021-11-13
Very Timely!
I love disaster books, and the plague certainly fits. The chapters are easy to listen to, you can listen in small bites. And it is so scary to see how the plagie mirrors our current pandemic - whole towns closing down, going into isolation, etc.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- JohnS
- 2021-04-07
Excellent!
This is my second time listening to this course during the pandemic, and I learned more than during my first listen. Professor Armstrong presents the material in a clear and easy way for a layperson to grasp easily. I have no hesitation in recommending this course. I will definitely complete other history courses by this professor.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brenda
- 2023-11-21
I really interesting book to listen to
I’ve learned so much about the plague, and listening to this audiobook really Shone certain light to our behaviours within the COVID-19 pandemic. A good lesson
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Duane Dewey MacLEOD
- 2019-12-20
An immersion beyond expectation
A morbid curiosity and fascination with Middle age history drew me to these lectures. I was not disappointed. From start to finish, it was ride that I will likely take again. I never re-read (or listen to) books, the only exception being Sapiens and Homo Deus, and now The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague. Well done Dorsey.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- A
- 2020-09-14
great lecture series!
When I first saw this lecture series, I thought it would be hours of dry academic lessons. That could not be further from the truth. The teacher is young and enthusiastic which makes the lessons always interesting. The length of each of them (about 30 mins) is perfect for being able to dive into a topic but not too long that it's overly burdensome. Overall great subject matter that is all the more relevant due to our current pandemic. Definitely recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Zachary
- 2023-01-27
In a (Near) post Covid-19 World. Very Important.
In a (Near) post Covid-19 World. Very Important. A lot of the same things that werr causing so many issues with covid in Canada and thigns that people were so loud about were the very things that could have stopped it sooner. A lot of those same things were present in some form during covid-19 such as people pushing back against the establishment. But in this case the establishment was attempting to enforce measures that would legitimately stop the spread. Pilgrimages were common during the Black Death and despite it being a bad idea and the very thing that likely spread it so much further people still continued to do it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Zach
- 2023-01-09
awesome performance
if you've ever been in a university history lecture you can only hope it's as entertaining as I found this one
there are no voices or characters to capture, but what a story teller
I truly enjoyed listening AND learning
thank you
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2021-11-27
Informative.
First, the narrator's voice is excellent, and her delivery and clarity, is about the best I've heard so far. Next, for a modern academic, I found her attention to the facts, almost completely, unbiased by the social constructs that plague, (no pun intended), modern literature. Definitely worth the listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nick Overduin
- 2021-12-25
One of the best of the "Great Courses"
The presenter, Dorsey Armstrong, has a wonderful and relatable voice. That certainly helps. She is animated and caring and very knowledgeable about her subject. In short, the whole course, all 24 lectures, was just so extremely well done. I learned so much, about so many aspects. The most disturbing part of the history of the Black Death, for me, was certainly the anti-Semitism that emerged. Horrific materials! I listened to this book prior to the Covid pandemic, but listened to it again during the 3rd and 4th waves of the Covid pandemic. The relevance of the book cannot be overstated, obviously, when we are experiencing a modern scourge. But it is staggering to think about the impact of this historical plague on the later development of society and the world.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!