The Black Death

by Diane Zahler

Could a few fleas really change the world? In the early 1300s, the world was on the brink of change. New trade routes in Europe and Asia brought people in contact with different cultures and ideas, while war and rebellions threatened to disrupt the lives of millions. Most people lived in crowded cities or as serfs tied to the lands of their overlords. Conditions were filthy, as most people drank water from the same sources they used for washing and for human waste. In the cramped and rat-infested streets of medieval cities and villages, all it took were the bites of a few plague-infected fleas to start a pandemic that killed roughly half the population of Europe and Asia. The bubonic plague wiped out families, villages, even entire regions. Once the swollen, black buboes appeared on victims' bodies, there was no way to save them. People died within days. In the wake of such devastation, survivors had to reevaluate their social, scientific, and religious beliefs, laying the groundwork for our modern world. The Black Death outbreak is one of world history's pivotal moments.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

I grew up reading children's books and never wanted to do anything but write them. I'm the author of nine middle grade novels, and my newest book is a historical novel called WILD BIRD. I live in the country with my husband and very enthusiastic dog Jinx. Visit my website at www.dianezahler.com.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 4 stars, not because it was the most enjoyable book to read, but for educational value. I tend to forget historic dates and events quite easily and that has always frustrated me, especially when I am around someone who retains information well. I am certain that I learned about the plague at some point in my education, but it is apparently in the deep recesses of my mind still, as much of the information in this book seemed new to me.

"The Black Death" is an easy book to read and has some very interesting and shocking statistics. There were several times I wanted to stop and tell whoever would listen what I just read because I couldn't believe how devastating this disease was to so many people. Sadly, they didn't know what caused the plague, so many related it to sin and thought God was punishing them. Others thought it was caused by "bad air", so they burned incense and other things to keep the air pure. If you would like to know what did and does cause it, I suggest you read the book. :)

I'm glad I picked up this book while browsing through the library. I've learned something new and I hope to retain at least 1/4 of it. One thing I know I will remember is the meaning of the traditional rhyme, "Ring around the rosy (referring to the circular lesions on the plague victim's body), A pocket full of posy (the sweet-smelling flowers that were thought to ward off disease), Ashes, ashes (the bodies of the dead that were burned during the epidemic), We all fall down (death). I don't think I will be able to ever sing that song again without thinking of all of the people who suffered from this horrible disease.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to get a general overview of the issues of the Black Death as written to a young adult audience. This would be a great book to use for reading passages etc if I were teaching the topic to a middle school classroom. Well organized, easily understood and it provides throrough coverage of the issues. Great book (for my purposes anyway)!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and helpful

[Cobagibu · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, this book is almost 300 pages NOT the 160 that goodreads states. Second, most of the book is an account of the number of deaths with some details of the actual aspects of what led to the plague; what life was like during the plague, and the impact after the plague.

[Oliver James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting subject. Maybe a book report for school, but mostly for fun!

[Geoffrey]

I was pleasantly surprised. This is a concise and clear summary of all things about the plague in the 14th century. It is very well written.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I know I'm being a masochist with all the books I've been reading on this subject this year. I think my real goal is to look for spoilers in order to find how - and when - this is all going to end.

This book does an excellent job of covering all aspects of the Black Death from beginning to end and all levels and angles, without being to dense or jargon heavy. Great use of primary sources, images, quotes, as well as modern day analysis.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely meant for a younger audience, and/or someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the plague and its history. Informative, but only for either of those two categories. If you already have knowledge of the history of the plagues, skip this one, you'll learn very little new info.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, not too difficult or boring. Occasionally feels like it going over the same points, but still useful.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative.

[Rachel Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book much. To me it read too much like a textbook. In all honesty it made me want to fall asleep as I read it. I do not suggest this book at all.

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should have been classified as "teen" or "young adult" - so the information was interesting, but somewhat simplistic for what I needed.