1 / 7The Black Death: A Global History by Thomas Asbridge
The Black Death: A Global History by Thomas Asbridge traces the fourteenth-century plague across Europe, the Near and Middle East, North Africa and Asia. It places the pandemic in the experiences of different communities and considers its effects on medieval society, including the Mamluk Empire.
At a glance
- Covers the Black Death beyond Europe, including the Near and Middle East, Byzantium, North Africa and Asia.
- Compares the experiences of Christians, Muslims and Jews during the pandemic.
- Includes accounts of cities such as London, Cairo and Florence and people from monarchs to peasant farmers.
- The listing says the book discusses the plague’s impact on the Mamluk Empire.
Reference price: £40.00
Price checked: 14 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The broad geographic scope offers a useful counterpoint to accounts centred mainly on Europe.
- Its combination of political and social consequences with individual experiences gives the subject more than one historical angle.
- Customer feedback highlights detailed research and an engaging writing style.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Allen Lane |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 30 April 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 560 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0241399408 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0241399408 |
| Dimensions | 16.3 x 3.7 x 24.1 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 986 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a broad history of the Black Death across medieval regions and communities.
- Readers interested in social history and the lived experiences behind major historical events.
- Those comfortable with a substantial 560-page history book.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a short overview or a book focused only on the plague in Europe.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
55% 55% - 4 stars
27% 27% - 3 stars
14% 14% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as well researched and detailed, with appreciation for its writing style. This suits readers seeking substantial historical coverage, though the reported positive feedback does not establish that every reader will prefer a detailed treatment. Aggregate ratings are generally favourable but include a range of ratings, so they do not reveal individual reasons for less positive responses.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the research and level of detail.
- Customers appreciate the writing style.
Frequently asked questions
What regions does the book cover?
The listing describes coverage across Europe and the wider medieval world, including the Near and Middle East, Byzantium, North Africa and Asia.
Does the book focus only on the disease?
No. The listing describes its effects on different communities and aspects of medieval life, as well as accounts of people in cities and across social ranks.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 560 pages.
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