"A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century" is a historical book written by Barbara W. Tuchman and published in 1978. The book provides a detailed account of life in 14th-century Europe, a time marked by political turmoil, economic upheaval, and social unrest. Tuchman's narrative is centered around the life of French nobleman Enguerrand de Coucy VII, who lived through the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death. Through de Coucy's life story, Tuchman explores the broader historical events of the era, including the struggles between the papacy and the monarchy, the rise of the merchant class, and the peasant uprisings. The book offers a vivid and engaging portrayal of the period, drawing on a wide range of sources to create a comprehensive and accessible account of the 14th century. "A Distant Mirror" is widely regarded as a classic of popular history and has won numerous awards for its scholarship and readability.
0