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Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity Illustrated Edition
Purchase options and add-ons
- ISBN-100521716454
- ISBN-13978-0521716451
- EditionIllustrated
- PublisherCambridge University Press
- Publication dateJune 2, 2008
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions5.99 x 1.09 x 9.02 inches
- Print length480 pages
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"...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
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About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Cambridge University Press; Illustrated edition (June 2, 2008)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 480 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0521716454
- ISBN-13 : 978-0521716451
- Item Weight : 1.7 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.99 x 1.09 x 9.02 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #248,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #102 in Historical France Biographies
- #297 in French History (Books)
- #376 in Royalty Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2012I ordered this book expecting it to be just another narrative history meant for the general public. Instead I received a scholarly tome.
Most of the written sources exist in only one copy, and perhaps in fragments at that. McKitterick lists her cources and tells where they may be found--whether library, museum, or monastery--and provides their document numbers.
Footnotes often cover half the page.
She does not progress chronologically but covers aspects of Charlemagne's life and government topic by topic, debunking much of the received wisdom as she does so. For example, she simplifies, and makes more plausible, Charlemagne's itineraries, pointing out that if he supposed to be at Point A on a given date and point B three days later, and the distance is 300 km (180 mi), it is very unlikely the trip occurred. Perhaps a notary at one point or the other supplied his location and not the king's.
This is a book for the serious student of Carolingian history. I predict it will become a classic.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2008Professor 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2015I thoroughly enjoyed the book, although it is probably better described as historiography rather than history. It goes thoroughly into source material, so that the reader gets a very clear picture of the difficulties in dealing with that material. The author makes it quite clear when she is expressing her opinion, and the reader will easily recognize that judgment is an important part in interpreting the sources for this period, indeed, for all periods of history. A reader who is looking for a dramatic overview of the topic will probably find the book tedious, but to one is interested in understanding how historical information is interpreted and how that understanding is applied to the period of Charlemagne, it is an excellent compendium of knowledge.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2011The 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2020Disappointed. The text is very detailed and filled with references to particular details. Practically emptied of informative perspective and a meaningful historisk dimension. This can only be of interest to å fra Scholars.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2012This is an amazing read and ground breaking scholarship that shines new light on THE formative period of medieval European history (and medieval church history)!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2020Not for the novice historian. Most of the information provided related to how other historians have interpreted Charlemagne’s empire rather than the author making her own assessment. Most of the book pertains to the administrative functions of the empire, which I would guess intent historians may find interesting. For those simply interested in the major events surrounding the empires reign and its influence on European development should look elsewhere.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2017excellent as expected
Top reviews from other countries
- Gord DuncanReviewed in Canada on September 20, 2020
1.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointing.
I read this book hoping to learn something about Charlemagne but learned almost nothing. It's a very academic book. Every time it gets close to telling you anything the author says that this is well known so I won't go into it here. It is about what documents there are, when they might have been written and when they might have been revised. Trips Charlemagne might have taken and how long they might have taken. Nothing of any substance. If I already knew about Charlemagne I wouldn't have bought a book to learn about him.
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Lorenzo DomenisReviewed in Italy on December 6, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most complete study about Charlemagne
This study about the figure of Carlemagne is certo complete. From the rise to power until the succesion, McKitterick's book is a fondamental reading.
- Circleplane LTDReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
No complaints so far
- autodidactReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 13, 2011
4.0 out of 5 stars Charlemagne - a good academic history
Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity
This is a fascinating academic history, going back to the primary sources and investigating why the documents were produced. It is not a popular history for the general reader - knowledge of the period is assumed.
But as a way of understanding what the business of history is about and why the 'facts' in popular histories are subject to so much interpretation, it is highly recommended.