Charlemagne
Father of a Continent
Alessandro Barbero author Allan Cameron translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of California Press
Published:23rd Mar '18
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This detailed biography of Charlemagne explores his life, reign, and the significant impact he had on medieval Europe, revealing a fascinating historical figure.
This biography presents a comprehensive study of Charlemagne, offering insights into both the man himself and the intricate world he inhabited. Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, ruled from A.D. 768 to A.D. 814, and by the time of his death, his empire spanned a vast portion of Europe, including regions like Bavaria, Saxony, parts of Spain, and Italy. Alessandro Barbero, a distinguished medievalist, meticulously details Charlemagne's physical characteristics, personal tastes, family life, and the significant ideas and actions that defined his reign.
In Charlemagne, Barbero delves into the complexities of governance during this era, illustrating how Charlemagne maintained justice and conducted military campaigns. He paints a vivid picture of everyday life during the Carolingian period, discussing the functioning of the economy and the Christian worldview of the time. The narrative also highlights the evolution of societal concepts, particularly regarding slavery and freedom, as feudal relationships began to emerge, showcasing the profound impact of Charlemagne's military endeavors on the political landscape.
Engaging and informed by rigorous scholarship, this biography provides a fresh and nuanced perspective on one of history's most compelling figures. Barbero's work not only brings Charlemagne to life but also enriches our understanding of the historical context in which he ruled, making it an essential read for anyone interested in medieval history and the legacy of this remarkable emperor.
"Excellent translation of Barbero’s text. . . . The author of this rich, scholarly but accessible study provides an intimate portrait of the man—right down to his shirt and underpants—and a sensitive analysis of his government and times. " * Publishers Weekly *
“[Professor Barbero] ... has a lightness of touch indispensable in approaching a subject which has constipated generations of continental scholars. He is particularly good in following through the repercussions of war down the social scale to the peasants who made up at least 90 per cent of the population. . . . Barbero is also a historical novelist, and knows how to hold the attention with arresting details.” * Spectator *
“Cameron’s translation makes the book lively an readable, and he has captured Barbero’s wit, keen eye for detail, and sharp analysis of sources. . . . Accessible to a wide audience and educated non-specialists, and it would be an excellent addition to required texts in a survey class.” * Canadian Journal Of History *
“Vivid descriptions and careful research combine to paint a picture of a bygone era that entertains the reader as much as edifies her. Charlemagne: Father of a Continent is not just another biography but a fascinating and immensely useful one.” * Envoi: A Review Journal of Medieval Literature *
“Judiciously avoids scholarly arcana and long-winded digressions into source-criticism and historiographical debates. . . . and effectively communicates to a wider audience the essentials of these debates, both within the text and in the discursive bibliography, with elegance, wit, and attitude.” * H-France Review of Books *
"This book has been vividly and compellingly translated by Allan Cameron, and is an enjoyable and informative read." * Reading Religion *
ISBN: 9780520297210
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 28mm
Weight: 590g
440 pages