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The cover of How the Irish Saved Civilization (Hinges of History)

How the Irish Saved Civilization (Hinges of History)

Thomas Cahill

How did the writings of the ancient world survive the fall of Rome, and why does the author give the credit to Irish monks who copied them?

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At a glance

Author
Thomas Cahill

Why read it

  • You will see how the survival of ideas can hang on a few people copying books
  • You will challenge your picture of small, overlooked places, and ask what they may have given the world
  • You will learn how fast a society can lose its learning when order breaks down

Who it is for

  • History readers who like a surprising turn in a familiar story
  • Book lovers curious how old texts survive
  • Anyone with Irish roots or an interest in medieval Europe

Contents

  1. Introduction How Real Is History?
  2. I The End of the World How Rome Fell —and Why
  3. II What Was Lost The Complexities of the Classical Tradition
  4. III A Shifting World of Darkness Unholy Ireland
  5. IV Good News from Far Off The First Missionary
  6. V A Solid World of Light Holy Ireland
  7. VI What Was Found How the Irish Saved Civilization
  8. VII The End of the World Is There Any Hope?
  9. Pronunciation Guide to Key Irish Words
  10. Bibliographical Sources
  11. Chronology
  12. Excerpt from Heretics and Heroes
  13. The Hinges of History
  14. The Hinges of History

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