Charlemagne: Father of a Continent (review)
John D. Hosler
Reviewed by: Charlemagne: Father of a Continent John D. Hosler Continent. By Alessandro Barbero. Translated by Allan Cameron. Berkeley: University California Press, 2004. ISBN 0-520-23943-1. Map. Notes. Bibliography. Index. Pp. 426. $29.95. An updated, English-language biography Charles the Great would be welcome addition to modern canon on mighty Carolingian king and emperor, as best recent efforts tackle subject have been in French (Jean Favier, Charlemagne, 1999) German (Dieter Hägermann, Karl der Grosse, 3rd ed., 2001). Barbero is therefore poised fill gap with this edition his 2000 biography, Carlo Magno, Un Padre dell'Europa. While book page turner one most readable works Charlemagne appear years, endeavor he only partially succeeds. [End Page 490] Readers accustomed Cameron's past translations will find effort here equally satisfying even enjoyable, clearly master period. studied an energetic actively involved not warfare but also Frankish economy, culture, early medieval Church. On latter, author repeatedly (and convincingly) argues that it was Charles, Popes Adrian I Leo III, who practical leader Church eighth ninth centuries. He dances gracefully through complicated issues justice examination Charlemagne's relations Byzantium addresses important oft-neglected aspect Western foreign (pp. 77–85). One rather touchy legacy has its nationalistic appropriation Europe nineteenth twentieth centuries: alternatively claimed attacked for being either or German, while fact neither. succinctly corrects such mistakes, extending work Patrick Geary others seek detach these inept claims heritage empires 102–9). Barbero's historiographical approach, however, may generate consternation some readers. frequently examining nuances evidence text, refrains from offering detailed discussions scholarly debates. Those does examine tend older variety, lengthy discussion Pirenne thesis 109–13). The rest are relegated annotated bibliography, and, result, several fascinating subjects dispute over Charles's own role coronation 800 89–94) receive less coverage than deserved. bibliography itself separated chapter quite thorough; notable omission Richard E. Sullivan, "The Age: Reflections Its Place History Middle Ages," Speculum 64 (1989): 267–306. journal no doubt interested military. Chapters Two Three narratives wars against Lombards Pagans (Saxons, Muslims, Avars), informative well-suited historical biography. Chapter Eleven, Military Machine," fares worse. seems at ease practice social aspects armies. energetically jumps into debate size armies cites none numerous studies subject; assessment infantry cavalry armament fair but, again, unsubstantiated. Much extant documents, historians consistently demonstrated, literal readings monkish military descriptions can problematic. Eleven wide-ranging somewhat dated. In addition, aside remarks patronage, silent question supposed feudal order. Given frequent association outdated concept feudalism, little attention appreciated, especially relation questions organization logistics. And unlike treatment other thorny issues, within save 491] short dismissal Susan Reynolds's landmark study Fiefs...
The Journal of Military History