The Forge of Christendom

The End of Days and the Epic Rise of the West

By: Tom Holland

Narrated by: James A. Gillies

At the approach of the first millennium, the Christians of Europe did not seem likely candidates for future greatness. Weak, fractured, and hemmed in by hostile nations, they saw no future beyond the widely anticipated Second Coming of Christ.

But when the world did not end, the peoples of Western Europe suddenly found themselves with no choice but to begin the heroic task of building a Jerusalem on Earth.

In The Forge of Christendom, Tom Holland masterfully describes this remarkable new age, a time of caliphs and Viking sea kings, the spread of castles, and the invention of knighthood. It was one of the most significant departure points in history: the emergence of Western Europe as a distinctive and expansionist power.

©2008 Tom Holland (P)2018 Tantor

Not his best work IMHO# To much phoney dramatizat

It seems as though Holland has written in a manner that can be best described as too clever by a half,

Great Narrative History

Imminently listenable. Manageable scope. Fun. But also detailed and accurate. Well narrated. I recommend this book.

Very Interesting

An important part of history that is relevant to world culture today. balanced and free of propaganda.

Bravo!

A masterful achievement. As a student of church history, few books I’ve read have accomplished what Holland has here.

Phenomenal, history written as it should be.

I know a lot about this topic, and Holland not only gets it right, but he does so with a verve and narrative power that is astounding. If you care about Western Civilization, this book is a must. One of the best history books I have ever read.