The Black Death: Pivotal Moments in History

"In 1347 western Europe teetered on the brink of disaster." The Great Famine, followed by the widespread death and destruction of the Hundred Years' War, had weakened the population, had worsened already filthy living conditions, and had created a breeding ground for disease. When the bubonic plague arrived in Sicily by trading boat, it rapidly spread to every corner of Europe. This "black death" killed an estimated 30 to 60 percent of the population-devastating and transforming the continent in just five years. Map. Primary source research. Time line. Glossary. Who's who. Source notes. Selected bibliography. Further reading and Web sites. Index. Full-color illustrations and reproductions.