The Third Horseman

In "The Great Famine," William Rosen explores the devastating impact of a seven-year cycle of relentless rain, extreme cold, disease, and warfare that plunged Europe into its worst famine in history. Starting in May 1315, the relentless weather led to devastating livestock epidemics and wars that destroyed farmland, ultimately resulting in the loss of six million lives—one eighth of Europe's population. Drawing on diverse fields such as military history, agricultural economics, and climatology, Rosen vividly illustrates how a combination of environmental and societal factors contributed to this catastrophic event, offering insights that resonate with current climate challenges.