Unity in diversity

The "Charlemagne" by Georges Minois's objective is to dust off the perennial myths about this great emperor analyzing in depth all the highlights, achievements and personality of the sovereign.

The book is thick (885 pages in his pocket view). After a long presentation of Europe in the eighth century, the text follows first a chronological narrative thread by offering clear, detailed the life and reign of Charlemagne. The second part, more thematic, addresses the realities of the time: mode of government and administration, economy of urban and rural, war and peace.

The author also questions the role and place of Charlemagne in European history, refusing to go to make the "Father of Europe" to emphasize rather his prominent role in the emergence of a continent united in diversity. If the book is very good, but still very much a tone slightly below the biographies of the Emperor with the flowing beard signed Favier or Barbero.

The book also offers good time and cartographic annexes and some useful family trees for their way through the maze of the Carolingian dynasty.