The Black Death, The Great Mortality of 1348-1350: A Brief History with Documents

by John Aberth

This new edition continues to provide a fascinating account of the plague that ravaged the world in the fourteenth century. An updated introduction provides important background information and addresses the “plague denial” controversy. A new section of documents on environmental explanations for and responses to the plague joins sections on the origin and spread of the illness; the responses of medical practitioners; the societal and economic impact; religious responses; the flagellant movement and attacks on Jews provoked by the plague; and the artistic response. Documents from many countries — including Muslim and Byzantine sources — give students a variety of perspectives on this devastating illness and its consequences. In addition to the new environmental sources, new documents include a “Middle Dutch Flagellant Scroll,” here printed in English for the first time; German letters to the town of Strasbourg on their pogroms against the Jews; Ibn Khātima’s medical description of plague symptoms and transmission; and artistic depictions of the plague saints, Sebastian and Roch. The volume also includes document headnotes, a chronology of the Black Death, Questions for Consideration, a selected bibliography, and an index.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, School, European History, Reference, Read For School

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

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

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was required to read this for class . But I was suprised that I actually enjoyed it at one point. With My Dad being sick and my Cat getting canser I was feeling so sad and scared of the idea of death. So I actually teared up when I read some of the documents.

"Even in these circumstances, however, there were no tears or candles or mourners to honor the dead; in fact, no more respect was accorded to dead people than would nowadys be shown toward dead goats."

[Linda Harkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a history book on a topic about which I'm not especially passionate, it was interesting. For example, I enjoyed reading Boccaccio's intro to THE DECAMERON in which he describes in detail the psychological and social effects of the plague in Florence. Three characteristic behaviors emerged as surviving family members attempted to relate to each other--isolation, denial, and moderation.

So, why did I decide to read this? It was one of the books assigned in my granddaughter's Western Civ class last semester. She reads quite a lot about death and cannibalism. I figured I could discuss the plague more intelligently if I'd read the book.

[Joel Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caveat: it's somewhat dry history, but the chapters are short. After a brief introduction on the plague, the rest of the book is source documents showing the Black Deaths impact on all aspects of life in the 1350's. Incredible to think that over 50% of the population of the European continent (and beyond) was decimated by this plague. Documents from the cutting-edge medical advisors of the time (earthquakes releasing bad air), or the town councils that tortured confessions from and blamed the local Jews for poisoning the wells, or how the some dealt with the presence of so much wrath of god in their flagellant sessions (and the pope's ultimate crushing of the sect). The loss of population from all strata of society forever changed Europe and marked the beginning of the end of feudal domains, as workers were able to demand more pay. Some other interesting aspects of government trying to intercede and force punishments on those that tried to make significant profits from the decimated work force, to include punishments against the clergy who failed to administer to the rural communities or charged outrageous fees for funerary services. A small section at the end portrays some of the artwork created during the pandemic. It was worthwhile to read this as history and try to relate it to our recent experience with the COVID pandemic in 2020-2022.

[Honza Prchal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently I am a nerd, as I compared this selection of readings to those U. Chicago gave us for Russian, Western, and Byzantine civilization sequences.
The insights into the Islamic response (especially from a Muslim doctor later judicially murdered for violating a fatwa) and what befell many of West Central Europe's Jews thanks to Europe's more open acceptance of contagion and poison theories (that proved correct, but were easy for somewhat educated Germans [whether Swiss, German, French, what have you], especially, and some Italians, to misunderstand) were particularly interesting.
I mourn the lack of Czech, Polish, Balkan, and Russian sources, but I realize that's a niche concern. A less niche concern is Papal and English, Holy Roman, French and Iberian Royal responses, but that's not the focus of this work, which is more attuned to popular and more culturally salient reactions that would miss the major history books. In that, the compilation succeeds. This is a good read for anyone interested in the Black Death.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating to read original documents of the period.
Particularly interesting was the essay by Muslim scholar Lisan al-Din Ibn al-Khatib who was imprisoned and lynched by a mob for heresy for saying the plague was contagious, the various accounts of the flagellants, and the papal bull to protect the Jews from pogroms issued by Pope Clement VI which begins: "Even though we justly detest the perfidy of the Jews..."

The Black Death, a term not used until the 16th century, wiped out about half the population of Europe.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, because it stays true to the time period rather then reflection. It has letters and writing giving details to the time frame to include religious views, scientific analysis of its time (1340’s), and superstition. Very interesting. I must say that just like today with COVID, it unfortunately show mans inability to handle the epidemic well. Lot of great information and sad details of the time.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for HIS-221I-S01
Found most of this book very interesting and informative. A quick read. Appreciated it was mostly made up of historical accounts from the time period, which were often written by first-person observers of the events taking place.
There were some sections I wasn’t as interested in, but still found they provided a general overview to the medieval mindset or way of life during the plague.

[Kris Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Death makes COVID look easy. This is a short, academically oriented book that looks at science and medicine, religion, politics, society, art and more in relation to the plague. Some responses are eerily similar to today.

[Emmaline Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend was assigned this book for one of her college courses; she graciously allowed me to have it at the end of the semester. It was interesting and insightful. However, I would not recommend this to someone who is not intrigued by this historic event. There are some chapters that I found more engaging than others, but it is a great resource if you are looking to learn more about the Black Death.

[Doris Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK.👍🏽

[Victor Sonkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accounts of various events of the plague time, divided into categories. Very instructive.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

when your history teacher tells you you'll be doing a short and simple project and then assigns you a 200 paged book to read

[Kennedi Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Writing, 4⭐️

[Zea]

crazy shit in here!!! especially liked the cute stage directions in the flagellants' song

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, well-researched account, if brief, of documents relating to the first round of the plague

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Death is a collection of documents primarily written while the black plague was spreading across Europe. The book provides a comprehensive view of the events of the plague from different perspectives on a wide range of topics like medicine, religion, politics, and beyond. The introductions and notes provided throughout the book helped with understanding the context for each section.

I read this book as part of my undergraduate studies in European history and I ended up really enjoying it. It was fascinating reading first hand accounts of the devastating impact of the disease and how it reshaped people’s understanding of disease. I didn’t know much about the black death beyond the basics before reading the book, and much of what I read has stuck with me. This book is an excellent choice for any reader that has even a mild interest in the history of the Black Death and a great source of primary sources for research.

[Ernie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This compilation of source documents dating from the 1340s and 50s gives an intimate view of life during the Black Death. Reading through them, I imagined what it would be like trying to live while a seemingly unstoppable killer swept through the entire known world with no regard to creed or wealth or age. Hearing about social structures breaking down and the desperation from all walks of life was humbling. One wonders how things might have been different without the strong hand of religion in all aspects of the disaster, from Muslims killing those who tried to explain contagion was not a divine providence to Christians killing Jews en masse for supposedly poisoning wells to end Christianity. These were some very illuminating documents and have only furthered my interest in learning more how people went about their days during such a bleak time.

[Book Club of One · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but very interesting history of the Black Death told through primary sources. Both Christian and Muslim viewpoints are presented, eschewing just a Eurocentric focus. One of the more surprising and captivating sources is the Flagellant ceremony.

[Eden P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a paper I'm writing. The selection of translated primary sources is great at providing an overview of different aspects of the Black Death. Aberth's notes/commentary helps tie everything together.

My only complaint is that I would love a more extensive compilation- either more selections or a bit more of the primary texts that are included (some are just portions of larger texts).

[Ian McHugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super source book for anyone looking to get primary sources to aid study of the Black Death in Europe. The narrative that provides context to each of the sections is also excellent and the material is wide and varied. I enjoyed tremendously the insight the sources provided into lives in the mid 14th Century and the views on the arrival of the Plague. At once terrible and of utmost intrigue.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the lives of the people experiencing the plague. A comparison of eastern and western witnesses compiled in a way to not perpetuate "us and them" but to give as complete a collection as possible in understanding how the disease spread, affected lives, and everyday reactions to it.

[Rachael Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice compilation of sources discussing various aspects of the Black Death, all from symptoms to social and economic consequences to religious attitudes. A very useful text for anyone studying this period of history, whether it is focused around the plague or not.

[Irene Lázaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy útil porque tiene un montón de transcripciones de fuentes primarias y puedes ver por tu cuenta lo que opinaban las personas de la época. Me gusta que tenga textos de diferentes países y que los separe por tipología. Si te interesa el tema, lo recomiendo.

[Tyne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a compilation of primary source documents on the subject of Medieval Europe's Black Plague.

[Nicolas Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

this made me realize the absolute importance of art historians.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a class, a good brief look at the history of the Black Death. The documents included really make the book.

[Paula Hiatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and accessible

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primary source collection.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helped me write a good paper. So I guess it was good.

[Isaiah (aka Isaiah Ward) Herrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for my class in FIU honestly it was really boring.