Books by Tom Holland
language
English
review 1: This book is an elegantly written and vivid popular history of the then nascent religions of Islam and Christianity during late antiquity. Its great strength is that it seeks to place these two faiths in their proper historical and psychological context. The Zoroastrian, Jewish a...
language
English
review 1: Fascinating look at the period commonly referred to as the Dark Ages and the widespread belief that the end times were imminent and how that played into the politics and policies of the rulers of the time. Certainly to the Christian West, with the pagan Vikings raiding the north...
language
English
review 1: I thoroughly enjoyed "In the shadow of the sword". I have read Tom Holland previous books before and he always manages to present a fresh and coherent perspective on the themes he approaches. In this particular case, I believe he delt with a very delicate and interesting theme wh...
language
English
review 1: This is an amazing read. It gives such insight into the beginnings of the three Abahamic faiths and how they were all intertwined and interconnected. Holland provides a detailed and fascinating history of a period of history that shaped the modern world as we know it. While much ...
language
English
review 1: I enjoyed listening to Tom Holland at Adelaide's Writers Week earlier this year. He was charming and engaging and I bought this book on the strength of that. The sub-heading on the cover touts this book as "A blaze of colour lights up the Dark Ages" - unfortunately it didn't do t...
language
English
review 1: The time period is interesting and Holland illuminates it well.I like Holland's writing - accessible history based on the narrative. Focusing on certain figures and running for a chapter or two brings things to life and perspective. Sometimes this unavoidably hits 'school histo...