Customer Reviews

Millennium the End of the World and the Forging of Christendom

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Tom Holland has a knack for writing about interesting topics in an interesting way, something very few people have seemed to find a way to do. I read "Rubicon" by Mr. Holland a few years ago, and while I've always been interested in ancient Rome, I had a hard time finding a book that really captured the subject in a way someone who was not previously schooled in the topic could easily read. The same is true for "Millenium." As someone who has always focused on early US history, it can be hard to transition into a totally different era and region. Tom Holland's writing style, a very fluid narrative, is perfect for someone who knows almost literally nothing about the time period. While I can't speak for someone looking for an in-depth analysis of certain people or events in turn-of-the-millenium Europe, for someone who is not familiar with the time or territory, this book was an excellent and very informing read. Definitely recommended.

I read Tom Holland's Persian Fire and Rubicon prior to picking up Millennium. I am happy to report that I found Millennium to be in the same engageing style as the two aforementioned books. I found the concept of addressing the rise of Western Europe very interesting, and also very instructive at a time when we in the West are experiencing a bit of economic, social, and thus political turmoil. This book also has a place in exploring the clash between Islam and other (particularly Christian)religions. Exploring the history is always helpful in understading our current situations and problems. I have personally found Tom Holland to be an excellent historian and enjoyed this book very much.

Mr. Holland does an extraordinarily good job in describing the ebb and flow of power between clans, tribes, and the Church during the years leading up to the first Millenium. Many of the same themes considered then were heard when we entered the second millenium. Holland's book is an very readable account of a period unknown to many. I've ordered his book Rubicon and Persian Fire---this man can write.

Highly recommended.

Anyone interested in history will enjoy this book. The events leading up to the year 1000, with anticipation of Christ's return, is filled with much bloodshed. The Norsemen, the Vikings, were a ruthless bunch. Their activities were not just in Western Europe but also in the East. I was surprised to learn that the name, "Russia" is derived from the Norsemen - "Russ" meaning "Oarsmen".
The activities of the Catholic church, all in the name of God, is full of bloodshed, fighting for control of Kings and the effort to convert everyone to Christianity in anticipation of the end times. After the millennium came and went, without the arrival of the Christ and the Anti-Christ, the movement continued with the crusades. The justification of killing and being absolved from the sins of murder was common. The end justifying the means is still seen today.

Book delivered very quickly. Wraped, boxed in styrafoam and in perfect shape. Will certainly seek this company out for future purchases.