Charlemagne and Roland (Dark Ages Trilogy) - Softcover

Massie, Allan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753822326 ISBN 13: 9780753822326

Publisher: Phoenix, 2009

Synopsis

A truly European monarch, Charlemagne was king of the Franks from 768 to 814 and for some of that time king of the Lombards, too. From 800, when at Mass on Christmas day in Rome, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Imperator Romanorum (Emperor of the Romans) he became the renewer of the Western Empire, which had expired in the 5th century. His dual role as Emperor and King of the Franks provided the historical link between the Imperial dignity and the Frankish kingdoms and later Germany. Today both France and Germany look to him as a founding figure of their respective countries. His nephew, Roland, was also renowned for his prowess in battle and was the inspiration for the Chanson de Roland which recounts the story of the battle of Roncesvalles, in which he died.

About this title

About the Author:

Allan Massie is a journalist, former Booker Prize judge, and the author of Augustus; The Thistle and the Rose; and, also in the Dark Ages trilogy, The Evening of the World and Arthur the King.

Review:

"an old-fashioned but playful account of Charlemagne's early successes... into this, [Massie] weaves myths, folklore and a number of delightfully arcane facts" DAILY TELEGRAPH "Heroism and realpolitik make a heady mix for lovers of historical fiction" SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

About this edition

• Publisher: Phoenix
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0753822326
• ISBN 13: 9780753822326
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240