"The Great Mortality" is a non-fiction book written by John Kelly. Published in 2005, the book provides an intimate history of the Black Death, considered the most devastating plague in human history. Kelly, an American historian, explores the impact of the Great Plague that swept through Europe and Asia during the fourteenth century, claiming the lives of up to 200 million people, roughly one-third of Europe's total population at the time.
In the book, Kelly delves into the origins of the plague, attributing it to the Yersinia pestis bacterium. He discusses its symptoms, transmission methods, and the prevailing scientific and religious understanding of the time. Kelly also examines the social and cultural consequences of the plague, emphasizing its transformative effects on European society.
The narrative extends to the attempts to comprehend and cope with the Black Death, including the misguided blame placed on certain groups, such as European Jews, leading to anti-Semitic pogroms. Pope Clement IV's efforts to address the violence against Jews and the struggle of both science and religion to explain the plague are also highlighted.
Kelly's work spans the geographical spread of the plague, from its origins in Asia to its eventual impact on Europe. The book covers the various reactions, coping mechanisms, and changes in societal attitudes that emerged in the wake of the devastating pandemic.
"The Great Mortality" is recognized for its accessible and engrossing overview of a crucial period in history, shedding light on the profound and lasting effects of the Black Death on both the cultural and economic identity of Europe.
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