Preface
Rosamond McKitterick
In this book I have investigated both what we can know about Charlemagne and think know. taken a fresh look at the beginnings of Carolingian empire, tried to free Charlemagne's reign from clutter arguments, assumptions hypotheses that somehow become facts. charting formation European identity during reign, explored interaction between practical consequences expansion Frankish empire into totally new territory perceptions uses past. The degree which Franks end eighth century beginning ninth communicated with past in order form or inform their own contemporary concerns, heighten sense cultural affiliations shape political purpose conceptual framework book. endeavoured avoid ascribing without question phenomenon loosely described as ‘Carolingian’ his period rule rather than those successors. Instead, attempted capture dynamism document astonishing changes effected throughout 768 814. all offer critical reassessment sources first produced 747/8 814, not because they may be more truthful accounts after death, Einhard's Vita Karoli onwards, but least merit being contemporary. They therefore reflect something conditions reign. been very conscious parallel work progress on period, books preparation Mayke de Jong Louis Pious, Stuart Airlie aristocracy, Jinty Nelson Charlemagne, David Ganz Einhard. Consequently, trespass overlap.
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