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The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Rise of Nations

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The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Rise of Nations

By: Andrew C. Fix, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Andrew C. Fix
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About this listen

Between 1348 and 1715, western Europe was fraught with turmoil, beset by the Black Plague, numerous and bitter religious wars, and frequent political revolutions and upheavals.

Yet the Europe that emerged from this was vastly different from the Europe that entered it. By the start of the 18th century, Europe had been revitalized and reborn in a radical break with the past that would have untold ramifications for human civilization.

This comprehensive series of 48 lectures by an award-winning teacher and scholar sheds new light on this critical period by exploring the political, social, cultural, and economic revolutions that transformed Europe between the arrival of the Black Death in the 14th century to the onset of the Enlightenment in the 18th century.

It explains

  • how these startling changes came about;
  • the social, economic, and political factors that helped steer Europe away from the Middle Ages and into the modern world;
  • the kinds of patterns we can see during this time; and
  • how these centuries were critical to the entire narrative of history and have contributed to the Western world we know today.

Professor Fix covers a remarkable breadth of subjects relating to European history from 1348 to 1715. While religion, politics, wars, and economics dominate this period, he also pays close attention to art, exploration, science, and technology.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses
Europe

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All stars
Most relevant
Clearly explained throughout. Enjoyable and deeply interesting. Definitely worth listening through more than once. Human history is characterised by power, religion and war, war, war!

Very worthwhile.

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Where does The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Rise of Nations rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Any additional comments?

It's a "101" kind of course but I found it informative and enjoyable. As a series of half hour lectures it's easier to complete than a book I think. The delivery is natural and the language is informal but the content is thorough and orderly, with the right balance between the amount of data and analysis. I wish I had more teachers like professor Fix at school.

Enlightening!

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The lectures give a good overview of what happened and why. Some aspects are obviously simplified but a lot of ground is covered.

What aspect of Professor Andrew C. Fix’s performance might you have changed?

It takes some time to get used to the professor's voice, a bit of Bill Clinton. But after a while, it feels good.
The professor feels strongly about his subject an knows a lot about it but the references to modern times fall flat and are sometimes inaccurate. Still, the era in question is covered well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

As the lectures are a total of 24 hours, not a one-off book but I do recommend more than one lecture at a time as some lectures are closely related to each other and should be listened to in one sitting.

An interesting overview

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Where does The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Rise of Nations rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For history right at the top. Not because it was the best history, or even particularly good, insightful history; but just because it was a rattling good story. And it was far better than a history book to listen to; I love history, but cannot get on with history audiobooks. So this was a real find.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Rise of Nations?

Monking. I howled. Andrew Fisk was describing the relationship between Luther and his Dad, and Andrew had his father cry out in outrage 'there's no money in monking!'. A real treat.

Have you listened to any of Professor Andrew C. Fix’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I've not; this thing is I agree with another comment that there were hideous generalisations, inaccuracies, and a very traditional view - the view of the pre-reformation church, for example could have been written 30 years ago. And although Andrew Fisk rather stumbled and repeated himself - I really, really enjoyed his style in the end. I suspect repeating the same point is simply good teaching.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Monking.

Any additional comments?

Heartily recommended. Not the best history, but a superb way to get into the subject.

Well, despite myself, I loved it

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24 hrs of splendour insight of human history. This remarkable european achievment is worth to be read.
Narration of Andrew C. fix was perfect.

Gratifying

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