(New York: W.W. Norton & Co. 2002)
This ambitious comic book chronicles in 300 pages the history of
Europe,
Asia, the Middle East and Africa from 395 to 1492. Well researched,
marvelously and humorously drawn, The Cartoon History is actually a
serious
work. It is sure to introduce the reader to entirely new
chapters of
medieval history. This volume contains six sections-- The
Foundation of
Islam, Africa, China & Central Asia, Europe, The Crusades
and Mongol, and
The Plague and Renaissance. This list in no way captures the
punch and wit
of the narrative as suggested by subsections such as "Dim and Dimmer"
(Europe
in the Dark Ages) and "The Pest and the West (about the Black Death).
Larry Gornick has an eye for detail and strangeness that makes history
come
alive. Running jokes reinforce historical ideas. One series
marks nomad's
attitudes towards settled cultures. Guys in yurts say things
like "Farming
is $#%$ slavery", "I hate vegetables" and "Pass the fermented mare's
milk."
Another series points out the inordinate number of Byzantine Emperors
who had
their eyes put out (yuck). The author's drawings are lively
throughout,
reminiscent of the 1970s Freak Brothers underground comics. Numerous
illustrated maps are included; some lavish double page spreads.
Traditional histories have given Europe center stage. Gornick
follows
civilization from Baghdad to Cairo, Ghana and Beijing. The Islamic
World &
Byzantium are center stage for much of the story. Northern Europe
is treated
as a primitive backwater until the chapters on the Crusades.
The Cartoon
History is a valuable corrective, widening our idea medieval history.
By
necessity of this format it leaves much out. For example
the Vikings get three pages
and the Russians two. What is amazing is how much is included.
Some obscure things are included; two examples are Charlamagne's attempt
to
ally with the Moslem Caliphate against Byzantium and expatriate Anglo-Saxon's
fighting as mercenaries for Byzantium around 1080. One of the
most
spectacular revelations is how gold from Mali, via Cairo became fuel
for the
Italian Renaissance.
The Cartoon History III is part of an ambitious project of world history.
Useful and entertaining, it is highly recommended.