The author, Barbara W. Tuchman, embarked on writing her book with a primary aim: to investigate the societal impacts of the catastrophic event known as the Black Death, which occurred between 1348 and 1350. This pandemic is often regarded as the deadliest disaster in history, wiping out around one-third of the population from India to Iceland. Tuchman's exploration seeks to understand how such a massive loss of life affected various aspects of society during the 14th century.

In "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Tuchman delves into the profound changes that arose as a result of the Black Death. By examining historical records and the aftermath of the plague, she addresses the wide-ranging consequences on social structure, economy, and culture, providing a detailed analysis of how humanity coped with this immense tragedy. Her work emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of people during one of the darkest times in history.