One of the things I love about these reading challenges is that they push me out of my comfort zone. Usually, I’m not one for nonfiction, but when you’re trying to get 24 books under your belt (that you’ve never read before), you do have to reach into the world of history, biography and other nonfiction works. So today, for book 13 of the 24 in 2024 challenge, we have a history by well known author and podcaster, Tom Holland: Millennium.
Plot summary
Millennium, as the name suggests, covers the first thousand years from the Christ’s death and the beginning of Christianity. Holland covers a wide range of historical events running across Europe and the Byzantine empire, up until 1099. The key theme of his book is the way in which the world was anticipating the second coming at different significant dates such as 100 and 1000 AD, much in the same way that apocalyptic rumours ran rife as 1999 gave way to 2000.
While the end of the world hasn’t yet occurred, Holland looks at how the belief that the end times were imminent spurred on the creation of new civilizations and empires throughout Christendom.
Millennium is an incredibly readable history
I love history, mostly because I grew up reading some really excellent historical fiction. But there are definitely history books out there that are immensely dull. Luckily, this isn’t one of them!
Holland weaves together so many narratives with such skill that you don’t feel confused or lost, despite the fact that the book ranges over 1000 years of history across several countries and royal (or wannabe royal) families. The historical people feel real and present. You feel that you know Otto and understand his desire to be made emperor, while also wanting to stay true to his Frankish roots.
Christianity is touched on regularly, but with respect. It isn’t usual for historical books to be kind towards Christianity. Most often they take quite a dim view of this and any other religion. But Holland is respectful and well-informed. He steers clear of quoting rumour or misrepresenting religion. It is not a religious book, but I did appreciate the way in which it was handled.
It’s also nice to read about a time in history that isn’t widely covered. History nearer our time tends to get more of a run, so I have to admit knowing much less about this early period of history. That made it even more enjoyable, as I felt I was learning a lot about the dynamics of what was really a fascinating time.
If you’re looking for a nonfiction read, I would definitely recommend giving this one a go.
