AP Euro Alternative Summer Book
Assignment
Part I: A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman
A Distant Mirror is the story of western Europe in the 14th century viewed largely from the
perspective of a French nobleman, Enguerrand de Coucy VII, who lived from 1340 to 1397. During
de Coucy’s lifetime Europeans experienced the Hundred Years War, the Black Death, a series of
papal wars in Italy, the Great Schism that set up two rival popes, and the early developments of
the greatest creative period in European history—the Renaissance. These events kept the
continent in continual turmoil and disrupted or challenged the political, economic, military, social,
religious, cultural, and intellectual lives of western Europeans. If you don’t fully understand some
of the narrative, do not get discouraged. Focus on the adversities that struck Europe in the 14 th
century: plague, war, taxes, brigandage, bad government, insurrection, and schism in the Church.
Note how the events developed and what changes they produced in the lives of the people in all
socio-economic groups. Look at the photographs to see how they complement or amplify the
text.
As you read, take notes on how events/developments affected the lives and beliefs/attitudes of
various groups, such as peasants, the “middle class,” aristocrats, rulers, churchmen/women,
women, children, minorities (Jews, Muslims, “foreigners”), and military personnel, practices, and
ideas.
Also take note of the dynastic change in France from the Capetians to the Valois rulers. In 1328
the Capetian monarch Charles IV (brother of Queen Isabella of England-wife of Edward II, mother
of Edward III) died without an heir. The throne wen to his first cousin Philip of Valois, who
became King Philip VI in 1328. Philip VI inaugurated the Valois dynasty which ruled France until
1594. Beginning with Edward III, Kings of England claimed the thrown of France based on their
descent from a French Capetian princess (Isabella sister of Charles IV, wife of Edward II) even
though centuries-old French custom (Salic Law) prohibited a woman from holding the throne of
France or passing it to her heirs. England’s challenge to the Valois claim to the French throne
was a major factor in the Hundred Years’ War.
Assignment:
1. Graphic Organizer/Chart
Choose 5 groups from the following: peasants, the “middle class,” aristocrats, rulers,
churchmen/women, women, children, minorities (Jews, Muslims, “foreigners”), and military
personnel, practices, and ideas. Then create a graphic organizer/chart that analyzes how the
events/developments described in Tuchman’s book affected each chosen group. Make sure you
explain how they changed and why they changed.
2. Essay
The events described in Tuchman’s book disrupted or challenged the political, economic, military,
social, religious, cultural, and intellectual lives of western Europeans. Which THREE of the above
were most disrupted and challenged by the events of the 14th century? Why? Defend your
position in a well-written and organized essay of a minimum of 2 typed pages (it may be longer).
Evaluation Rubric
Graphic Organizer/Chart—(5 groups x 10 pts. each)--50 pts.
 Analysis & Explanation of how each group changed--5 pts.
 Analysis & Explanation of why each group changed--5 pts.
Essay—100 pts.
 Thesis & Analysis/Explanation in defense of thesis—50 pts.
 Writing Mechanics—20 pts.
 Use of specific examples from book to support thesis—15 pts.
 Organization/Structure and logical coherence of essay—15 pts.
Then complete the European Geography assignments as described in the original
summer assignment.