The twelfth-century bishop Otto of Freising was the outstanding historian of his century. "The Two Cities" was his masterwork, spanning in time from Adam and Eve to the coming of the last days -- which he believed had actually begun. In form and philosophy, it stands as a landmark in medieval historiography. As a brother of the Emperor, Otto had an insider's view on the significant events of his day, including the Investiture Controversy and the Second Crusade. His book records how one man grasped for hope as he felt the world dissolving around him.

Although numerous texts are available in translation that illustrate the papal side of the Investiture Controversy, few accounts exist that convey the position of secular leaders. Imperial Lives and Letters fills this gap, offering the full text of "The Deeds of Conrad II" (1024--1139) by Wipo, "Life of Emperor the Henry IV" (1056--1106) and the Letters of Henry IV.