SUMMER READING PROJECT FOR AP EURO STUDENTS
Students taking Advanced Placement European History must complete the following
assignments dealing with the following book:
A World Lit Only By Fire: The Medieval Mind and the
Renaissance (1992) by William Manchester.
This book was a best seller, and it is hoped that you find it an interesting read as well as an
informative one. The pages in parenthesis will help you focus in on the essay questions. Each
essay should be in the range of three-four pages.*
PART I:
Pick one of the following three essays: (50%)
The first two essays are reflective pieces asking you to develop “a feel” for the late medieval
period. Your essay should include the following:
a. main thesis which is supported with facts or examples from the book
b. impressions or surprises from the readings. Did they change or reinforce any of
your perceptions of this historical period?
Essay #1:
The Medieval Mind (3-28)
What were the major characteristics of the medieval mind?
(Remember – incorporate a and b listed above.)
Essay #2
What was life like during the medieval period? Support with specific
examples (32-68).
Essay #3
The focus of Manchester’s book is that “the power of the medieval mind
was forever broken” during the 16th century. Examine how the following
events/movements are utilized by Manchester to support his thesis:
Renaissance
Humanism
Literacy & Education
Desiderus Erasmus
Magellan’s Voyage
Sir Thomas More
Leonardo da Vinci
Printing
Nicolaus Copernicus
PART II: This is a mandatory essay. Support with specific facts from the Manchester book
((pages 86 to the end of the book – page 292). (50%)
Essay # 4. The following essay has two parts: First, examine the major causes for the Protestant
Reformation. Second examine the major causes of Martin Luther’s success. How was
this little known German monk able to launch a revolution that would change Europe
forever? In writing this essay, examine military, political, economic, and social
causes along with the more obvious religious factors.
*The essay’s are worth a test grade and are due the 1st day of school
** Their will also be a quiz on the book for the first week of school 
If you have any questions over the summer my e-mail address is
[email protected]