Einhard's biography of the Carolingian Empire's founder The Life of Charlemagne: Vita Karoli Magni is one of the most famous pieces of literature on the early Middle Ages. It is both an epic and personal account of the legendary warrior king who was known as the Father of Europe, providing a fascinating insight into his political success, battlefield strategy, foreign and domestic policies, friends, enemies, and personal habits. For scholars of military science, it is an essential bridge text linking the masterworks of ancient strategy like The Art of War and Commentarii de Bello Gallico with the future writings of Machiavelli, Clausewitz, et al.

Einhard's biography of the Carolingian Empire's founder The Life of Charlemagne (Vita Karoli Magni) is one of the most famous pieces of literature on the early Middle Ages. It is both an epic and personal account of the legendary warrior king who was known as the Father of Europe, providing a fascinating insight into his political success, battlefield strategy, foreign and domestic policies, friends, enemies, and personal habits. For scholars of military science, it is an essential bridge text linking the masterworks of ancient strategy like The Art of War and Commentarii de Bello Gallico with the future writings of Machiavelli, Clausewitz, et al.

This splendid edition contains both ancient biographies of Charles the Great by Einhard and the Monk of St. Gall, edited, translated and introduced by Arthur James Grant. Charlemagne is often termed the father of modern Europe, in that he implemented the earliest foundations of Germany, France, Holland and Belgium. Demonstrating great talents in both war and peace, Charles the Great was able to unite much of Europe to an extent unseen since the time of the Roman Empire. Although Charlemagne only reigned for fourteen years, his actions while on the Frankish throne were of far-ranging consequence. His wars against the Saxons, his expedition into Muslim Spain, and his strengthening of relations with the Papacy of Rome helped solidify Christianity within the European continent. Although his reign was violent, it ushered in civilization to Europe via unification of its peoples.

This splendid edition contains both ancient biographies of Charles the Great by Einhard and the Monk of St. Gall, edited, translated and introduced by Arthur James Grant. Charlemagne is often termed the father of modern Europe, in that he implemented the earliest foundations of Germany, France, Holland and Belgium. Demonstrating great talents in both war and peace, Charles the Great was able to unite much of Europe to an extent unseen since the time of the Roman Empire. Although Charlemagne only reigned for fourteen years, his actions while on the Frankish throne were of far-ranging consequence. His wars against the Saxons, his expedition into Muslim Spain, and his strengthening of relations with the Papacy of Rome helped solidify Christianity within the European continent. Although his reign was violent, it ushered in civilization to Europe via unification of its peoples.

Einhard's Life of Charlemagne is an absorbing chronicle of one of the most powerful and dynamic of all medieval rulers, written by a close friend and adviser. In elegant prose it describes Charlemagne's personal life, details his achievements in reviving learning and the arts, recounts his military successes and depicts one of the defining moments in European history: Charlemagne's coronation as emperor in Rome on Christmas Day 800AD. By contrast, Notker's account, written some decades after Charlemagne's death, is a collection of anecdotes rather than a presentation of historical facts.