Reviews

"A challenging new perspective. [Catastrophe] is original, provocative and should be taken seriously."
-HUGH KENNEDY
Professor of Early Islamic History,
St. Andrews University, Scotland
"[Catastrophe is] a radical new approach to historical writing. This is truly a book for the end of the millennium."
-DR. MARK HORTON
Leading authority on African archaeology,
British University

In the years 535 and 536 C.E., according to archaeological journalist Keys, a dusky haze blotted out the light and heat of the sun and brought about both massive droughts and floods. The famines and plagues that resulted from these climate changes then drove tribal groups out of the heartlands of Asia and into the Mediterranean world of the old Roman Empire. Then, the wars and displacement of long-settled peoples that resulted destroyed the old order and, in Keys's opinion, marked the emergence of the modern world. Keys supports his thesis with an impressive array of scientific and historical evidence. Although it seems unlikely that any single factor could have such catastrophic consequences, the book, written in an engaging manner, should stimulate interest in the role of climate in human events. Suitable for academic libraries.--Harry Frumerman, formerly with Hunter Coll., CUNY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.