A study of the forms of life, thought and art in France and the Netherlands in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries
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Amazon.com Review
In 1919, Johan Huizinga revealed in the original version of this book that the ideals, aspirations, and behaviors of humanity in history were dramatically different from those in present day. In Herfsttjj der Middeleeuwen, he recalled the waning years of the Middle Ages--the low countries in northern Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries--and argued against those who claimed that human belief systems remain the same even if contexts change. His account rested not on historical fact, but on the emotions and ambitions of the people as expressed through the art and literature of their culture. Many people treated the book as groundbreaking work, and it was translated into English in 1924. This new translation is a complete, more direct version of the original and allows modern readers a full appreciation of life in an era rarely revisited.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
The new translation will no doubt bring Huizinga and his pioneering work back into the discussion of historical interpretation and encourage the English-speaking world to appreciate his achievement. -- The New York Times Book Review, Rosamond McKitterick
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Though this book is absolutely excellent (though the style takes a little getting used to), it shouldn't be the first book you read on the Middle Ages.
I say that not so much because the book is difficult, as because it's elliptical. The book has a lot of discussion about themes prevalent in the art and literature of the later Middle Ages, but it's not a "history": it doesn't tell you what happened.
For example, to make a point about fastidious medieval protocol, Huizinga relates an anecdote about the battle of Crecy. But he never explains what the battle was, who fought in it, or why it was important. He assumes you already know that stuff, so don't come to this book looking for a more straightforward history. This is more a discussion of the major themes and movements of the age, divided by chapter.
Another thing you should know: the lion's share of the discussion in the book has to do with the low countries.
I say that not so much because the book is difficult, as because it's elliptical. The book has a lot of discussion about themes prevalent in the art and literature of the later Middle Ages, but it's not a "history": it doesn't tell you what happened.
For example, to make a point about fastidious medieval protocol, Huizinga relates an anecdote about the battle of Crecy. But he never explains what the battle was, who fought in it, or why it was important. He assumes you already know that stuff, so don't come to this book looking for a more straightforward history. This is more a discussion of the major themes and movements of the age, divided by chapter.
Another thing you should know: the lion's share of the discussion in the book has to do with the low countries.
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book 25 years ago in college. At the time, it was one of those book I just wanted to get through for a grade, but there were details of it I remembered, such as the common practice of sllicing apples into thirds to represent the Trinity.
Well, picking up this book to re-read while living in Europe turned out to be a far greater pleasure than I imagined. Huizinga offers an elegant portrait of an entire era, the Late Middle Ages, in both visual and intellectual detail. You learn about codes of honor, the different ways in which life was perceived, and the practices of love. It is beautifully written and vivid.
There are limitation to the approach, of course. It is not about economics or living standards. It does not function as a survey, and hence the reader must have solid knowledge of medieval history before starting the book. You will have to get these elsewhere. But if you come to this book with the right expectations, it is fascinating and wonderful from cover to cover.
Warmly recommended.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First, I must admit that I am not a Middle Ages scholar, and this book is the first one I have read about Middle Ages culture. Having said that, I thouroughly enjoyed Huizinga's book about life in France and Holland during the 15th Century. I am glad that I put the effort into reading this book. I say effort, because Huizinga's analysis is not light reading. No, it is a detailed analysis of Late Middle Ages culture - art, literature, religion, and lifestyles are all covered at great length. Much of it is fascinating when viewed in contrast with the way we live today.
This translation of the book seems solid. It includes a lot of text from original documents, many in French, or Latin, but includes English translations in the footnotes section. A few parts of the book were more difficult to work through than others, but in the end I felt like I had gained a new insight into European history. I particularly think that Huizinga's thoughts about the Christian church in this era leading to the reformation make for fascinating reading.
If you are interested in what life in the late middle ages may have been like then I highly recommend this book. Keep in mind that it is a historical exposition about this era, not a textbook treatment full of facts. Personally, it has kindled enough interest in this subject for me to warrant further study- hopefully it will do the same for you.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seminal Text
This is a basic text written by one of the seminal historians of the 20th century. A great place to start in order to discern th Middle Ages.
Published 2 months ago by TF from the Hudson Valley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book Review
Purchased this book for my husband because we were told it was great. Well, it is great for him and his level of reading. But this book is not for the "novel" reader. Read more
Published 3 months ago by D. Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book which never gets outdated.
The book of a Dutch historian Johann Huizinga about the late middle ages period belongs to a kind of books that never get outdated. Read more
Published 4 months ago by mjare
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beware of "The Autumn of the Middle Ages"
The five stars are for the original translation titled "The Waning of the Middle Ages," first published in 1949. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Skylark Scribe
3.0 out of 5 stars
Graduate-level exegisis of the unanalyzable
Undertakes an impossible task: rendering into academic English the translated-from-Dutch- analysis of Latin and proto-French cultural aspects produced by medieval personalities... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Dr. J
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic
This book stands out most as an example of what happens when history goes beyond a mere recounting of linear events, and takes the brave step of actually synthesizing information. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Bootsie LeBlanc
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute best explanation for behavior, wars, pretty much the basis of...
I bought this because I wore my previous copy out.
It is a must have when traveling in Europe, but it is invaluable while reading other histories, as it carries so much of the... Read more
It is a must have when traveling in Europe, but it is invaluable while reading other histories, as it carries so much of the... Read more
Published on October 3, 2010 by Georgia Hollinger
3.0 out of 5 stars
Autumn of the Middle Ages
Was looking for Waning of the Middle Ages and found this instead. Apparently it's a different translation of the original work by Johan Huizinga. Read more
Published on November 24, 2009 by S. Bendapudi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Still compusory material after all these years.
As being Dutch, it pleases me that a Dutch historian brought forward such an impressive and longlasting work. Read more
Published on November 5, 2009 by D. Schotman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fills a space between academics and interested others
I checked this book out of the library many times as an undergraduate. I always felt that it belonged to me and resented having to return it! Read more
Published on March 7, 2009 by Marie-Claude
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