Peep into life at 13th century from Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres

Henry Brook Adams was an American historian best remembered for his Charters, essays on life, liberty and thoughts of 13^th century world. The book is subtitled A Study of Thirteenth-Century Unity and its publication began on 1913.

 

Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres was a private book for personal use until 1913 when the author allowed its commercial publication for general readers. It was first printed privately in 1904 for reasons unknown to the literary world. Some authors are of the opinion that Adams might be apprehensive of his writings as the book contains his views on church and society.

There could be many opinions on why Adams delayed commercial publication of the book but now it is available for public reading. It is in public domain and surprisingly the book has received more positive reviews than any other book could get. The book has essays or thoughts of the author and the author has described his thoughts very beautifully.

 

Reading the Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres is quite interesting and for this reason the book is read again and again. It is a great book by a great author who belonged to a political family. Henry Brooks Adams was a member of Adams political family. This Harvard graduate served his father Charles Francis Adams who was Abraham Lincoln’s ambassador in London as secretary. His relations to political family influenced his thinking to a great extent.

 

When talking about the book, all a reader can say that none other than Adams understand life in 13^th century. He was clear in his views and sometimes he seems challenging the critics to review his thoughts. The confidence of the author is visible on his writing. He spared none when writing the book. He was of the opinion that whatever was available in medieval period was the gift of man and not God.

 

Did Adams challenge authority of church? Was he an atheist who believes only in himself? These questions were often thrown to the author but he is no more to answer these queries. Readers can find answers to all these queries from the book. Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres is all about life and impact of social, religious and political organizations of 13^th century on life.

 

It is a journey into past. The book takes readers to the life of at a time when there was no idea on liberty. Society and polity was under control of church and everyone has to live according to the rules set by church.