What do you think?
Rate this book
1348: A Medieval Apocalypse - The Black Death in Ireland
1348 was arguably the most important year in European history. The greatest killer in recorded history – the Black Death – swept across the continent reaching Ireland in the late Summer. Within twelve months, over one-third of the population had died. Our ancestors faced what they thought was the end of the world. The havoc wrought by this deadly disease triggered warfare, social upheaval and rebellion. Life was changed forever.
Focusing on the lives of eight people, ‘1348: A Medieval Apocalypse’ vividly brings this fascinating world to life. Whether a history enthusiast or fascinated by a story of survival this book will fascinate as Dwyer weaves an enthralling narrative from a forgotten chapter in Ireland's history.
From earls to outlaws, the eight lives evocatively recalled in the book take you on a journey through a chaotic and at times terrifying Ireland as the Black Death ravaged the island. Beginning in the decades of war that preceded the plague, you will find yourself immersed in the captivating world of our distant ancestors, as they struggled in a society that appeared to be falling apart.
As a narrative '1348: A Medieval Apocalypse' is a captivating - never before or since has humanity faced annihilation on this scale.
Focusing on the lives of eight people, ‘1348: A Medieval Apocalypse’ vividly brings this fascinating world to life. Whether a history enthusiast or fascinated by a story of survival this book will fascinate as Dwyer weaves an enthralling narrative from a forgotten chapter in Ireland's history.
From earls to outlaws, the eight lives evocatively recalled in the book take you on a journey through a chaotic and at times terrifying Ireland as the Black Death ravaged the island. Beginning in the decades of war that preceded the plague, you will find yourself immersed in the captivating world of our distant ancestors, as they struggled in a society that appeared to be falling apart.
As a narrative '1348: A Medieval Apocalypse' is a captivating - never before or since has humanity faced annihilation on this scale.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 14, 2026
Interesting time in Irish history
If, like me, you want to read this book to find out more about the Black Death in Ireland, you might be disappointed. Like Dwyer’s earlier book, his resources are the official Norman documents of the time period, so there is very little information about life in the Norman colonies and nothing about the Irish.
However, Dwyer does a very good job of detailing the years of conflict and strife both before and after the year of the great pestilence, which makes for a fascinating read.
The year of plague must be woefully recorded, with the author having to resort to contemporaneous accounts from the continent to give a flavor of what the horrid time was like.
It seems like the plague was a good thing for the Irish, and it’s such a shame they didn’t coordinate a united front in the following years to drive the rest of the Normans out of the country. How different things could have gone for the country if they had.
An easy to read snap shot into a turbulent century in Irish history.
If, like me, you want to read this book to find out more about the Black Death in Ireland, you might be disappointed. Like Dwyer’s earlier book, his resources are the official Norman documents of the time period, so there is very little information about life in the Norman colonies and nothing about the Irish.
However, Dwyer does a very good job of detailing the years of conflict and strife both before and after the year of the great pestilence, which makes for a fascinating read.
The year of plague must be woefully recorded, with the author having to resort to contemporaneous accounts from the continent to give a flavor of what the horrid time was like.
It seems like the plague was a good thing for the Irish, and it’s such a shame they didn’t coordinate a united front in the following years to drive the rest of the Normans out of the country. How different things could have gone for the country if they had.
An easy to read snap shot into a turbulent century in Irish history.
August 1, 2016
Smashing run down of one of the worst times to be alive in history! Through his characters plucked from across Irish society at the time, he gives a riveting account of the years leading up to and including the Black Death. Very highly recommended.
April 24, 2021
Not a bad read
Easy to read and very personable and enjoyable for nonfiction and such a grim period, plus the author really does his bear to lay out Irish geography for non native readers.
Easy to read and very personable and enjoyable for nonfiction and such a grim period, plus the author really does his bear to lay out Irish geography for non native readers.
April 2, 2020
Very good. Love Dwyer's podcast, and the book is just as good.
July 1, 2020
Very solid, well researched, historically accurate and entertaining.
September 13, 2016
Required reading for anyone of Irish heritage
Very interesting and puts the age of death in Ireland in good perspective. A must read for anyone traveling to Ireland
Very interesting and puts the age of death in Ireland in good perspective. A must read for anyone traveling to Ireland
November 14, 2016
An interesting read.
January 21, 2017
Well told history using the experiences of individuals living at the time. The author also has an Irish History podcast that is also well done.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews