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The Emperor Charlemagne Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 664 ratings

An authoritative biography of the greatest ruler of the medieval period.
The Emperor Charlemagne is an ideal book for readers of Tom Holland, Dan Jones and Helen Castor. On Christmas Day, 800, Charlemagne was crowned ‘Emperor of the Romans’ by Pope Leo III. Originally inheriting one half of his father’s Frankish kingdom, by the time of his death in 814 he had put down rebellions in his own provinces, conquered the Lombards, fought against Saxons, Avars and Slavs in the east, clashed with Muslims in Spain, negotiated with the papacy and the Byzantine Empire, and united much of western and central Europe for the first time since the classical era of the Roman Empire. Under his guidance the Carolingian Renaissance flourished, with his capital of Aachen becoming a centre of learning and artistic genius. The legacy of Charlemagne on European history and culture is monumental. Yet, within thirty years of his death, his empire had fragmented. Who was this legendary ruler? How had he managed to rule these vast domains? And why has his legacy continued to influence Europeans to this day? E. R. Chamberlin’s masterful biography of Charlemagne demonstrates the sheer force of will that this charismatic leader was able to command as he created a realm to rival the Byzantines in the east. Through the course of the book Chamberlin brings to life how Charlemagne forged his empire, and uncovers the people, the religious and political controversies, the social and agricultural conditions, and the changes in warfare that took place over one thousand years ago. The Emperor Charlemagne is an engrossing biography of one of the most legendary figures in history, and first embodiment of the ideal of European unity.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

E. R. Chamberlin is the author of The Bad Popes and Loot!: The Heritage of Plunder.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08994S6SR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (August 16, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 16, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 318 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 664 ratings

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E. R. Chamberlin
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
664 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and well-written. They appreciate the detailed information and human approach to Charlemagne's life. However, opinions differ on the writing style - some find it readable and well-written, while others feel it leaves a lot to be desired with its flowery and overly pretentious language.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

8 customers mention "Book content"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and providing a good overview of the subject's life. They appreciate the detailed information, but some feel the writing style leaves a lot to be desired.

"Very informative book and well written...." Read more

"...it doesn’t go in depth on any particular part of his life, it’s great overview...." Read more

"This book is very interesting. The author writes clearly, and I learned a lot about Charlemagne and the empire he created...." Read more

"...I found the book interesting and honest in covering the triumphs and tragedies of his life and times...." Read more

7 customers mention "History"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's history interesting and well-rounded. They say it provides a human approach to Charlemagne and his time and empire building.

"Great history book doing a good job of covering a man’s life. Though it doesn’t go in depth on any particular part of his life, it’s great overview...." Read more

"This book is readable and gives a more human approach to Charlemagne and his time and empire building...." Read more

"Fascinating history." Read more

"A summation of the founding of the Carolingians and at Charlemagne as a real man...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"5 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style. Some find it readable and well-written, while others find it flowery and hard to follow, with Latin phrases liberally used. The book provides an informative and human approach to Charlemagne.

"This book is readable and gives a more human approach to Charlemagne and his time and empire building...." Read more

"Very informative book and well written. Can be a bit hard to follow as the author transitions in and out of historic backgrounds and explanations,..." Read more

"This book is very interesting. The author writes clearly, and I learned a lot about Charlemagne and the empire he created...." Read more

"Written in a formal, seemingly 'flowery', almost pretentious English, it appears the author tries to duplicate the ancient scholarly and or poetic..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2021
    Very informative book and well written. Can be a bit hard to follow as the author transitions in and out of historic backgrounds and explanations, but if you pay attention you'll be okay. Get along, get along King Charlemagne...
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
    Great history book doing a good job of covering a man’s life. Though it doesn’t go in depth on any particular part of his life, it’s great overview. For someone who knows nothing about Charlemagne and wants to learn about him, this is a great book for you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
    This book is readable and gives a more human approach to Charlemagne and his time and empire building. His sorrow at the loss of members of his family makes him more relatable.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2024
    Fascinating history.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2021
    I purchased this book in order to find some link to my ancestor who served in one of Charlemagne’s castle. While i was never able to get an indication of which castle, I still learned more about Charlemagne, perhaps more than I really wanted to know. The history of Charlemagne was fascinating, allowing the reader to step back in times foreign to most.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2013
    This book is very interesting. The author writes clearly, and I learned a lot about Charlemagne and the empire he created. More than a military leader, Charlemagne created a governmental system, feudalism. Much of his success was due to the people he selected to administer the areas under his rule. Men like Alcuin, Einhardt, and Eric of Friuli are interesting in their own way. The church is also relevant in this study. Faith was not as refined as it is today. Church and state separation came later. Without the church, Charlemagne probably would not have become emperor. In the same way, the church of Rome would not have become independent of Constantinople.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2021
    Charlemagne turned up in my genealogy which sparked a desire to learn more about him. I found the book interesting and honest in covering the triumphs and tragedies of his life and times. At times I wasn't sure if I should be proud or ashamed to be a descendant. All things considered I came to admire his accomplishments while recognizing his humanity. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life and times of Charlemagne.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021
    Charlemagne not only was the most important figure in the founding of the French state. He is also the dominant figure in post Roman Europe. His legacy is felt throughout the world down to the present day.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • glimbo123
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating history of Charles, King of the Franks
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2023
    Easily read history of the uniting of Frankish power that laid the groundwork for a nascent German Nation. Highly recommended.
  • BillBC
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fine book, except for one thing...
    Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2021
    Fascinating book about a fascinating man. Well written book about a lesser known period of history. I would have given it five stars except astonishingly it does not have a single illustration, not even of Charlemagne himself. Possibly this is because I have the Kindle edition and the print version does have illustrations. I don't know. This is really too bad, because it's such an interesting subject that a few illustrations would have made the book excellent.
  • lucien c
    5.0 out of 5 stars Maravilhoso trabalho, panorama completo da época
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 14, 2020
    Chamberlin é um erudito que escreve de forma simples e elegante. Não se contenta em informar os fatos mais relevantes do período, mas se dedica a explicar por que as coisas aconteceram da forma que aconteceram! Já o conhecia de outra obra, mas não hesito em classificá-lo como um historiador excelente e recomendo este livro.
    Report
  • Knowledge thru Books.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Emperor
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2024
    Charlemagne was a complex man . He changed Europe forever. He did a lot of good . He also did a lot of bad. This book explorers Charlemagne achievements and his relationship to those people of importance in his life.
  • R M Wild
    4.0 out of 5 stars Rather long Charlemagne appears halfway thru
    Reviewed in Canada on March 12, 2021
    Too long winded for casual reading

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