EPOCHS OF EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION Antiquity to Renaissance

Although his title is sweeping in its promised scope, Professor Hosking confines most of his examination of three thousand years of history to the impact of the major religions. Of course, a mere seven hours for so much material challenges reality; nonetheless, he wastes precious time with repetition. Three times he states that one-third of the population of Europe died in the plagues. His slow pace becomes lethargic as he fails to find humor or spark in anything. According to the publisher's Web site, the professor has given this course for 10 years, a piece of information that suggests why he lectures on such a rich subject with palpable ennui. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]