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The Edge of the World

How the North Sea Made Us Who We Are
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( 2,777 ratings, 415 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Edge of the World by Michael Pye is an intriguing exploration of the North Sea's history and its role in shaping modern civilization. The book delves into the cultural, economic, and political transformations that occurred due to interactions across the sea, highlighting developments in trade, ideas, and innovations during the medieval period. It offers an insightful look into how this often-overlooked region influenced the broader course of history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the transformative period of the Middle Ages when diverse cultures intersected, sparking creativity and new ideas. It delves into how trade, technology, and cultural exchanges along Europe's northern edge shaped modern civilisation, offering intriguing insights into how the West was truly formed beyond the traditional Mediterranean narrative.

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Features a story of saints and spies, of fishermen and pirates, traders and marauders - and of how their wild and daring journeys across the North Sea built the world we know.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A magnetic book on the North Sea brimming with rollicking adventures, vivid characters, and witty observations.

Between the fall of Rome and the dawn of the Enlightenment, northern Europe transformed from a barbaric outpost to the centre of everything, shaping the world we know today. We have often overlooked its impact, but the reason is the North Seaβ€”boats carried food and raw materials but also new ideas and information. Seafarers raided and killed but also settled and coupled, bringing the tastes and technologies that would make us modern.

The Edge of the World is the story of the saints and spies, fishermen and pirates, traders and marauders whose journeys changed everything.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Edge of the World by Michael Pye is celebrated for its fascinating exploration of the historical trends and ideas during the Dark Ages of the North Sea, with reviewers praising its beguiling narrative and magnificent writing. The book has been described as a page-turner, offering a vivid and richly detailed account of the interconnections and culturals shifts in northern Europe, while Pye's storytelling brings history to life in a vibrant and engaging manner. His thorough research and elegant prose illuminate the significance of this region, challenging conventional perceptions and delighting readers with its revelatory insights.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241963838

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 July 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Illustration: 8pp colour inset

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 293g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Michael Pye has written eleven previous books, translated into eleven languages, including two British bestsellers and two New York Times 'Notable Books of the Year'. He took a First and various prizes in Modern History at Oxford, and was then for many years a highly successful journalist, columnist and broadcaster in London and New York. He now lives between London and rural Portugal.

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