The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition
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The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition
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Narrated by:
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Teofilo F. Ruiz
About this listen
Western civilization is closely associated with reason and science, and with exceptional accomplishments in art, architecture, music, and literature.Yet it has also been characterized by widespread belief in the supernatural and the irrational - with mystics who have visions of the divine and entire movements of people who wait in fervent anticipation of the apocalypse.
Moreover, Western culture has also been the setting for repeated acts of barbaric reaction to those beliefs, including persecutions of certain groups, such as Jews, or of people accused as heretics and witches.
This series of 24 intriguing lectures explores the concept of what has been called the "terror of history," a deeply held ancient belief that human beings live constantly on the edge of doom- a doom against which we must protect ourselves, sometimes by scapegoating an "other" whom we blame for this catastrophic plight.
The lectures explore this belief through a study of mysticism, heresy, apocalyptic movements, and the witch-hunting craze that bloomed in Europe from 1000 to 1700. You'll examine sources you may be unfamiliar with, learn to think in new ways, and gain a fresh perspective on how social, economic, political, and religious climates - especially during times of change and stress - exert tremendous influence on the prevalence of irrational attitudes and persecutions.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great CoursesListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Leonid Sinyakov
- 24-10-18
A very nice introductory lectures
This set is very nice introductory level lectures but lacks depth. Pick this up only if you are completely unfamiliar with the topic.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BookWorm
- 01-08-22
Amazing
I would love to study this with Teofilo F. Ruiz in an actual class. His knowledge is vast and his style engaging, it's been an absolute pleasure.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- bush
- 03-02-16
Slow start but stick with it.
I struggled a bit at the beginning with this whilst the background / context was being explained but the second half of the series is excellent. The Prof seems like a nice chap too. It was a bit like listening to a really long post match interview with Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Teleica K.
- 05-04-16
History of Terror review T Kirkland
This book was great Professor Ruiz is so well informed and interesting to listen to, his accent was sometimes difficult to understand but that didn't stop the book from being a great listen. I really feel like I've learned something!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- richard2
- 03-10-23
Ambitious in scope..
this is such a tour de force of exploration of historical/sociological/religious trends which took place over many centuries. It’s demanding at first, but the initial lectures are important in understanding what follows. I found it very thought provoking, and the professor’s accent very charming!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- SamanthaPinkPanther
- 12-06-24
I kept hoping it would improve...
Prof Ruiz is clearly very well-read, but this course meanders all over the place.
It is like he has just scattered the contents of his brain into a lecture series, instead of curating his thoughts.
As a result, he does not do justice to any of the three areas in the title. Instead, this a flying visit and a shallow one at that.
Worst still, I do not feel like I learnt very much, and wonder if the Terror of History was an overambitious project.
Perhaps an in-depth study of the Inquisition would have served him better?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Guðrún Pétursdóttir
- 16-01-19
Excellent series of lecturers
Not what I expected but so much better as someone who is constantly trying to expand my knowledge this is perfect, I even used information from this today in class as a way to explain a point. Dr. Ruiz is on point and knows his stuff.
Did I understand everything?No
Did I enjoy it? Yes
Will I listen to it again? Definitely
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Saralexis
- 24-06-23
Very interesting and lovely to listen to
This was a very interesting lens to take a survey of European history through, well structured and interesting- and a lovely voice to listen to.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Brian R Larcher
- 16-08-21
A Billiant lecture series from Great Courses
Professor Ruiz successfully brings together his significant knowledge with great energetic power and gripping delivery.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- mr
- 06-12-14
At best, okay.
You get this book for an interesting sensational story and you barely get it. A lot on mystiques, this could had been summarised in one lecture.
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3 people found this helpful