The Dark Ages

This is the sixth volume in Isaac Asimov's brilliant histories for young people. Having recreated in his widely praised earlier books the great civilizations of the Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome, he now moves to Northern Europe to discuss the Franks and the Goths, who came from the north to spell the end of Mediterranean domination. As countless reviewers have pointed out, Dr. Asimov brings to the telling of history a variety of disciplines, clear sparkling prose, and an infectious enthusiasm that catches the reader up in his panorama of events. The Dark Ages is no exception. Here we see the Germanic Tribes and Gothic Kingdoms, the coming of the darkness. We see the powerful role of Christianity in the unfolding of military events. We watch kings fall and empires crumble. We meet fascinating personalities — Alaric, Charlemagne and his Carolingian successors. And finally, we pass through the darkness to catch a glimmer of the light that promises to come. The Dark Ages is a period of history not well known to many. Dr. Asimov has shown it to be an eminently interesting time, well worth exploring with a knowledgeable and witty guide.