Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity [Hardcover]

Rosamond McKitterick (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521886724 | ISBN-13: 978-0521886727 | Publication Date: June 2, 2008

Charlemagne is often claimed as the greatest ruler in Europe before Napoleon. In this magisterial new study, Rosamond McKitterick re-examines Charlemagne the ruler and his reputation. She analyses the narrative representations of Charlemagne produced after his death, and thereafter focuses on the evidence from Charlemagne's lifetime concerning the creation of the Carolingian dynasty and the growth of the kingdom, the court and the royal household, communications and identities in the Frankish realm in the context of government, and Charlemagne's religious and cultural strategies. She offers a completely fresh and critical examination of the contemporary sources and in so doing transforms our understanding of the development of the Carolingian empire, the formation of Carolingian political identity, and the astonishing changes effected throughout Charlemagne's forty-six year period of rule. This is a major contribution to Carolingian history which will be essential reading for anyone interested in the medieval past. Rosamond McKitterick has also received the 2010 Dr A. H. Heineken Prize for History for her research into the Carolingians.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Recommended." -Choice

"...magisterial study of this historical figure..." -H-German, Kevin Teo Kia-Choong

"...an important addition to our understanding of the diplomatic and non-diplomatic (linguistic-cultural, religious, social-ethnic) contributions Charlemagne made to medieval European society." -Kevin Teo Kia-Choong, H-German

"this book is a mile-stone in Carolingian scholarship, a critically significant reappraisal of the celebrated emperor and of the impact of his rule, and an achievement which cannot fail to stimulate further work on a number of fronts." -English Historical Review

"In this important book, Rosamond McKitterick undertakes both a historiographical synthesis and, in part, a major reassessment of the era 768-814, the period during which Charlemagne was king of the Franks and emperor of the West." -David S, Bachrach, The International History Review

"This is a laudable book by a leading and prolific scholar of Carolingian Europe." -Timothy P. Newfield, Canadian Journal of History

Book Description

Charlemagne is often claimed as the greatest ruler in Europe before Napoleon. In this magisterial new study, Rosamond McKitterick reexamines Charlemagne the ruler and his reputation. This is a major contribution to Carolingian history which will be essential reading for anyone interested in the medieval past.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 478 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521886724
• ISBN-13: 978-0521886727
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,201,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent scholarly appraisal of Charlemagne, July 12, 2008

By 

James C. Hamilton (Sioux City, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity (Paperback)

Professor McKitterick's magisterial examination of Charlemagne is a welcome addition to literature on the King of the Franks,after 800 Emperor. The book is not a biographical narrative but an examination of five central concepts: (1) Charlemagne's contemporary "representation," that is, how he was portrayed in chronicles and other accounts, (2) the creation of the "Pippinid" dynasty, beginning with Charlemagne's father, Pippin III, and his grandfather Charles Martel, (3) Charlemgne's court, (4)royal communication in the Frankish kingdom and Empire, and (5) the relationship between knowledge and the exercise of power, with special reference to religious authority. This book is best read with a prior understanding of 8th and 9th century Continental history or after first reading a general recent biography on Charlemagne such as Derek Wilson's Charlemagne: A Biography. McKitterick's well-written book will likely serve as a standard reference for years to come. This is an excellent book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book and great price, October 20, 2011

By 

bcf5009 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity (Paperback)

The book is very good but only for scholars or people with a strong interest in Charlemagne. I am a graduate student and the book was a great source but not an easy read and not something I would pick up for a casual read.