One of the most comprehensive biographies of the famous Frankish leader ever written, drawn from original sources and meticulously researched. Read here of the factors which shaped post-Roman France and Germany, and indeed, most of Western Europe.

This highly satisfying work documents all of Charlemagne's deeds, including his ascension to power, the invasion of northern Italy and campaigns against the Lombards, the series of wars with the Moors in Spain, and the campaigns against the Avar invaders in eastern Europe.

This work does also not shy away from describing in detail the thirty-year-long war against the pagans of Saxon Germany, an event which ended with the conversion to Christianity of Germany, and ultimately, all of Europe.

This new edition has been completely reset, indexed, and contains dozens of new footnotes to explain personalities, events, and details to the present-day reader.

Contents

Preface

Chapter I: Introduction

Chapter II: Early Mayors of the Palace

Chapter III: Pippin of Heristal and Charles Martel

Chapter IV: Pippin, King of the Franks

Chapter V: Fall of the Lombard Monarchy

Chapter VI: The Conversion of the Saxons

Chapter VII: Revolts and Conspiracies

Chapter VIII: Roncesvalles

Chapter IX: Wars with Avars and Sclaves

Chapter X: Relations with the East

Chapter XI: Carolus Augustus

Chapter XII: Old Age

Chapter XIII: Results

Appendix A: Genealogy of the Ancestors of Charles the Great

Appendix B: Family of St. Charles the Great

Index