Tuchman's Distant Mirror

[Michael Baker]

I just got done reading the book today (and they all lived happily ever
after). Its on the 14c. Very bloody those Europeans.

* The author seems to be building the theory that knights were 'military
outposts'. Whereas say in Greece the nobles seemed distinct from the
military class. My knowledge of greece isnt that good. But, is it a
testament to todays culture that i dont see the knightly class as
necessarily military in occupation?

* tuchman talked of the rise of 'the state' very peremptorily. Issues
like Charles VII (france) instituting the first standing army in 1444.
What other concrete measures were developed in the centralization of power
that gave rise to the 'state'.

* I've taken a cube off the iceburg of asian history, but it seems they
were'nt as bloody and more organized in their government. Did the Chinas
et. al. develop the state earlier than the europeans?

* The book was very interesting. I have had day dream images of people
burning at the stake, though.