AP EUROPEAN HISTORY – SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT
A World Lit Only By Fire, by William Manchester
The Summer Reading assignment has several due dates so pay attention.
You may simply download this document and edit it to use for the assignments.
PART I: Vocabulary
 Grasping and utilizing challenging vocabulary is a key element to success in any AP course as well as the SAT
and ACT in preparation for a successful college career.
 As you read AWLOBF identify these words, used context to try to define them.
 Try to integrate as many of the terms as you can into your own writing.
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paganism
eviscerated
simony
emasculated
misogyny
lubricity
invested
cupidity
satyrical
admixture
comity
speciosity
vituperative
apostasy
parricide
irascible
salubrious
crepitation
derogating
sophistry
prerogative
panjandrums
venery
obloquy
indefatigable
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AP EUROPEAN HISTORY – SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT
A World Lit Only By Fire, by William Manchester
PART II: Reading Questions (total value 43 points)
DUE DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010
 Answer the following questions based on your reading of the text, using complete sentences and
paragraphs.
 You must cite to page numbers from the book for your answers (EX: (pg. 55)
 The final document should be typed and must be turned in using Turnitin.com by midnight on the
due date.
 A hard copy should be turned in during class on the due date.
Part One- The Medieval Mind. Pages 3-28
1. Based on your reading of the first eight pages:
a.
Describe one example of the violence of the age.
b.
Explain how this violence was a paradox with the Church?
2. According to Manchester who was the leading Christian writer/theologian of the time? Why?
3. Explain why Henry IV was excommunicated?
a. Describe his penance and whether it was effective.
4. Prior to the development of hereditary monarchy, who had to approve of each king prior to his
coronation?
5. Analyze how much knowledge the peasantry had of the world around them – especially with respect
to the Great Schism and their “sense of time”?
Part Two - The Shattering: Social Problems and Corruption of the Church. Pages 31-86
1. Describe one example of how secular rulers used torture or execution.
2. Describe one example of how religious leaders used torture or execution.
3. Explain what “indulgences” were and how they worked.
4. Explain what nepotism is and how was it used by the popes?
5. How would you describe Savonarola? What did Alexander eventually do with Savonarola?
6. Explain the structure of the Holy Roman Empire. (hint: it wasn't holy, it wasn't roman, and it wasn't
an empire)
7. Describe the possible fate of a traveler during a famine.
8. Describe one of the superstitions Manchester discusses. What might explain why they were so
common in medieval Europe?
9. Explain how Alexander VI used his daughter, Lucrezia, for political gain. Provide specific examples.
Part Two- The Shattering: The Arts and Learning. Pages 86-131
1. What was Copernicus’ theory of the universe and how did the pope react to it?
2. Explain at least three reasons why some people were suspicious of Leonardo da Vinci.
3. What is the overall estimate for male and female illiteracy during this time period? What might
explain this?
4. Describe the effect that literacy and printing had on the Church.
5. What were the three main disciplines taught at medieval universities?
6. What did Renaissance professors declare to be superior to the three traditional fields of study?
7. According to Manchester, who was the leading humanist of the time and why does Manchester
believe this to be so?
8. Why did Erasmus leave Rome for England?
9. What was the title of Erasmus’ first book and who did he attack in it?
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY – SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT
A World Lit Only By Fire, by William Manchester
Part Two- The Shattering: The Protestant Reformation. Pages 131-219
1. According to Luther’s father, since children were born wicked, it was virtuous for parents to do what?
2. What did Luther do with the papal bull of excommunication?
3. Explain why Luther published in German instead of Latin or Greek.
4. Why do you think the secular leaders (the members of the diet) supported Luther? What was the
major issue that divided Protestants?
5. Describe Calvin’s attitude toward criticism. Give examples.
6. Describe how much fun life was in Geneva. Give examples.
7. What title was Henry VIII given by the pope in return for his efforts in suppressing Lutheranism?
8. What did Henry use as justification for his annulment and why couldn’t the pope grant him the
annulment?
9. What kind of reputation did the Boleyn women have? Was it deserved?
10. How much of English land was owned by the Catholic Church?
11. What happened to Thomas More after he spoke out against Henry?
12. Which of Henry’s daughters finally restored order to England?
Question Set Five: Part Three- One Man Alone. Pages 219- 296
1. Why does Manchester think so highly of Magellan? Describe what Magellan set out to do. Did he
accomplish his objectives?
2. Why do you believe he title this chapter One Man Alone?
3. Explain why the medieval church believed the earth was flat.
4. What were rutters and why were they important?
5. Describe the event which occurred on April 2, 1520 of Magellan's voyage and its implications.
6. Explain what caused Magellan to burst into tears in November of1520.
7. Describe the obsession that overcame Magellan while anchored in the Philippines.
8. What was ironic about the fact that the one surviving ship of Magellan's fleet was piloted home by
Cano?
PART III: Essay: 30 Points
DUE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Please answer the following question and turn in to your teacher the following:
 A printed copy of the paper, 12 point font, double-spaced
 A file turned in to turnitin.com. by midnight on the date it is due.
 Be sure to follow the notation issues below. Failure to follow these will result in deductions on your
paper grade.
According to Manchester, a humanist is one who looks “toward a new faith which held that man’s happiness
and welfare in this lifetime should come first, taking precedence over what might or might not follow it, that
mankind’s highest ethical objective is not the salvation of his soul but the earthly good of all humanity.”
(Manchester, p. 114)
Upon reflection of Manchester’s novel, address the following question in an essay of between 500 and 1,000
words.
 Analyze who followed this humanist philosophy to the fullest extent, Martin Luther, Erasmus, or
Ferdinand Magellan?
Notations:
o
o
o
In your essay be sure to analyze the actions of all three individuals.
Develop a solid thesis that you support by citing specific examples
Be sure to use parenthetical citations from the reading modeled in the above quote.