The Abacus and the Cross

The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages

By: Nancy Marie Brown

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

The medieval Catholic Church, widely considered a source of intolerance and inquisitorial fervor, was not anti-science during the Dark Ages - in fact, the pope in the year 1000 was the leading mathematician and astronomer of his day. Called The Scientist Pope, Gerbert of Aurillac rose from peasant beginnings to lead the church. By turns a teacher, traitor, kingmaker, and visionary, Gerbert is the first Christian known to teach math using the nine Arabic numerals and zero.

In The Abacus and the Cross, Nancy Marie Brown skillfully explores the new learning Gerbert brought to Europe. A fascinating narrative of one remarkable math teacher, The Abacus and the Cross will captivate readers of history, science, and religion alike.

©2010 Nancy Marie Brown (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A thoroughly engrossing account of the Dark Ages and one of its Popes, both far less dark than popular histories teach.... The years around 1000 CE seem to be every medieval historian’s favorite era, but Brown’s welcome addition to the genre provides a lively, eye-opening portrait of a sophisticated Europe whose intellectual leaders showed genuine interest in learning." (Kirkus Reviews)

Man of the Year - Y1K

Excellently produced story of Pope Sylvester II, pope in the year 999. He fashioned a 27-place abacus for Western use. His Holimess introduced Arabic numerals that fostered Western science and business, and saw to it astronomy was taught in cathedral schools. His efforts, of course, had him slandered and libeled upon his death. My only concern was the author's treatment of the "filioque" controversy that arose before his papacy and saw the Schism in 1054. I want to buy the paper edition for my library.

I liked the second half better than the first

If you like science and history and religion, then I think you will like this book. But be warned, the first part can be tedious. The author goes into the history of different items, including parchment. I was glad I was listening to the book instead of reading it, so I could "zone out" during parts I wasn't interested in. On the other hand, the narrator (who does a great job, BTW), has to describe details of the numerals that can't be seen. The second part was more about Gerbert's life, and like all good gossip, was fascinating. I've always been interested in the Holy Roman Empire, and what role it played in history. This gives a close-up view of how the Emperor chose popes. And how the pope was viewed by the other bishops. And the conflict between the people of Rome, who had their bishop chosen by an outsider, and all the other conflicts going on at the time. And I was happy to see how the author gave due respect to the women in history, too. So I think that scholars will enjoy the book, but the first part might be bit slow.

Surprising insights into an oft-misunderstood era

Would you listen to The Abacus and the Cross again? Why?

No, I generally listen only once to any audiobook.

What other book might you compare The Abacus and the Cross to and why?

For All the Tea in China by Rose -- because it, too, was an interesting story about little-known but significant events in history.

Have you listened to any of Suzanne Toren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Don't Waste Your Time or Money

The turgid writing is outshone only by the monotonous narration. The summary makes it sound interesting and the subject might be if written and narrated by others.