<i>Charles the Bald</i> (review)
John Moorhead
Reviews 213 space whUe adding comparatively little to the meticulously detatied picture of his subject which Molho has assembled by more traditional methods. Heather Gregory Canberra Nelson, Janet L., Charles Bald, London and N. Y., Longman, 1992, paper; pp. xiii, 349; 7 genealogical tables, 8 maps; R.R.P. AUS$40.99. This book, culmination years study thought its author, provides an important new interpretation reign one Charlemagne's grandsons. It is full surprises, starting with likelihood that was not bald, since contemporary portrayals him thick hah suggest nickname may have been honic rather than descriptive. Against usual view tbe part a downward slide from Charlemagne feudal chaos, Nelson argues population growing, cash widely used, increasing numbers coins, these increasingly high quality, were being minted, kingretainedthe ability intervene effectively in affairs far court, Vikings lent themselves used Frankish monarchs. So it account life culminates chapter entided 'Glittering prizes', words set thinking Susan Howatch. The speedy decline state followed death due nottoany inherent weakness but specific dynastic problems. greater book taken up detailed political narrative. Phenomena such as Carolingian Renaissance, gained second wind Charles, receive no passing attention. John Scot, most eminent intellectual century, touched on lightiy emerges, fleeting exception, only source for Charles. But does seek inform us topics, deeply rewarding own terms biography. crafted closest attention sources, so develops feel Nithard various sets annals thetextureof narrative erected basis they provide. sheer factual specificity allows interesting themes emerge. W o m e n did lead easy life, Charles's wife Ermentrude producing eleven children, influential. O hand, pleasant think owed interest scholarship mother, Judith. other 214 advice contained lady Dhuoda's Handbook William: woman's counselfor her son responsible death. ermegence understated this remind usefulness history continuing appropriateness books about great figures. substantial work revisionist major scholar cannot be recommended too highly. Moorhead Department History University Queensland Nicholas, David, evolution medieval world: society, government Europe, 312-1500, N.Y., 1992; xiv, 544; 13 AUS$47.99 Good general textbooks can confidentiy recommend students are hard come by. offering David Nicholas seeks provide global survey European civilization i t evolved between two dates traditionally established defining Middle Ages: accession Constantine end thefifteenthcentury. To attempt cover wide span tall order. key challenge facing author any textbook istofindan organizing principle capable embracing what seen salient features period under review. approach adopted one, emphasising continuities within Taking nothing granted prior knowledge readers, he begins swift overviews Roman civilization, origins Christianity, three cultural groupings around Mediterranean eighth century: tribal Byzantium, Arab world. then concise account...
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