Emperor of the World: Charlemagne and the Construction of Imperial Authority, 800–1229 by Anne A. Latowsky
Jennifer R. Davis
Reviewed by: Emperor of the World: Charlemagne and Construction Imperial Authority, 800–1229 by Anne A. Latowsky Jennifer R. Davis 800–1229. By Latowsky. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2013. Pp. xiv + 290. Cloth $49.95. ISBN 978-801451485. The Frankish king (768–814) virtually doubled size lands he ruled, uniting much Western Europe into one polity, then so radically reworked political practice that changed rules game life in West. Unsurprisingly given this résumé, became a legendary figure shortly after his death, remains compelling symbol even for today’s European Union. Latowsky’s book sheds new light on legend preoccupied medieval Europeans tenth through twelfth centuries. has been long known often studied. original contribution to field is reposition some earliest versions legend. interested Latin literary texts recount stories Charlemagne’s (entirely fictional) visit East. It usually claimed these were produced French milieu they placed an emphasis as proto-Crusader. While agrees Crusades are essential interpretative context Spain, she contends early works imagine travels East have little do with crusading primarily German empire, rather than kingdom France. For Latowsky, far more say about peaceful contact, foreign embassies, meaning occasionally eschatological concepts mythic Last crusading. achievement bring empire firmly back story from which it omitted explore fully rich vein embedded visiting In doing, not only expands our vision itself, but also contributes understanding discourse relationships empire. volume proceeds largely chronologically introduction, lays out scope book, justifies its focus vernacular renderings legend, explains primary method historically contextualized close readings texts. first chapter tries explain how two ninth-century biographers, particularly friend courtier Einhard, provided foundation later imaginings voyages recounting details historical interactions Eastern powers. According Einhard’s account relations created motif [End Page 637] contact linked visions imperial power. certainly correct emphasize interest well nexus power East, associations writers would take up. But her reading privileges possible illusions we know Einhard read, partially disassociates biography whole very deeply war. One liked see attention documentary sources provide different prism what was trying say. once begins addressing post-Carolingian permutations late century, hits stride. main chapters analyze groups at particular moments when there special such during fraught years Investiture Conflict pitting against papacy, or time Frederick Barbarossa, who pushed canonization antipope. final examines texts, arguing had more...
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