In "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," author Barbara W. Tuchman explores the profound impact of despair and depression during a tumultuous time in history. This era was marked by devastating hardships, where physical ailments were often accompanied by a heavy emotional toll, reflecting a deep sense of hopelessness among the people.

Tuchman poignantly describes how the specter of death loomed over individuals, becoming a visible presence in their lives. As people faced relentless challenges, the signs of mortality became evident, not only in their conditions but also in their expressions, encapsulating the broader struggle for survival during this calamitous century.