The Forge of ChristendomOf all the civilisations existing in the year 1000, that of Western Europe seemed the unlikeliest candidate for future greatness. Compared to the glittering empires of Byzantium or Islam, the splintered kingdoms on the edge of the Atlantic appeared impoverished, fearful and backward. But the anarchy of these years proved to be, not the portents of the end of the world, as many Christians had dreaded, but rather the birthpangs of a radically new order. Read the Preface - click here. MILLENNIUM is a stunning panoramic account of the two centuries on either side of the apocalyptic year 1000. This was the age of Canute, William the Conqueror and Pope Gregory VII, of Vikings, monks and serfs, of the earliest castles and the invention of knighthood, and of the primal conflict between church and state. The story of how the distinctive culture of Europe - restless, creative and dynamic - was forged from out of the convulsions of these extraordinary times is as fascinating and as momentous as any in history.
Reviews 'A marvellous, enthralling read, and gives a lively sense of these turbulent centuries that were so crucial in the making of western civilisation. Read it, and be thrilled, amazed and enlightened.' Allan Massie, DAILY TELEGRAPH 'It is perfectly right for Holland to claim a great deal for the 11th century, of which his book is a splendid, highly coloured canvas.' Norman Stone, GUARDIAN 'A mighty narrative of kings and popes, battles and massacres . . . A tremendously good read' Noel Malcolm, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'Tom Holland's 'Millennium' puts weird Christian thinking about the millennium centre-stage in the cultural development of the concept of Europe: a tour de force.' Andrew Roberts, 'Books of the Year', EVENING STANDARD
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