King and emperor

King and emperor: a new life of Charlemagne is a detailed study by Janet L Nelson of the life of Charles the Great, King of the Franks. In this scholarly study of the life of Charlemagne, the author attempts to dispel many of the myths that surround his life and investigates the available resources to explore the life of a man who made and ruled a great European empire. After Charles' death this empire was dismantled by his sons.

Living from 748-814 during the period referred to as the Dark Ages many of the records that may have existed about the life of Charlemagne and his empire have disappeared. However the author has made a detailed study of the records that she has been able to locate and quotes from many of the documents to help record her story.  Each chapter consists of quoted material from documents followed by the author's account. The Carolingian Empire or Holy Roman Empire covered most of Western and Central Europe. Throughout his reign there were many battles and campaigns to expand and protect the borders.

This story of Charlemagne's life consists of 493 pages followed by another 173 pages of notes, bibliography and index. Consequently this book would be an essential guide for anyone researching this period of European history. This is a book that I will need to refer to again when time permits.