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Two Lives of Charlemagne
Two revealingly different accounts of the life of the most important figure of the Roman Empire
Charlemage known as the father of Europewas one of the most powerful and dynamic of all medieval rulers. The biographies brought together here provide a rich and varied portrait of the king from two perspectives: that of Einhard, a close friend and adviser, and of Notker, a mon...more
Charlemage known as the father of Europewas one of the most powerful and dynamic of all medieval rulers. The biographies brought together here provide a rich and varied portrait of the king from two perspectives: that of Einhard, a close friend and adviser, and of Notker, a mon...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
September 30th 2008
by Penguin Classics
(first published 1960)
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Einhard and Notker the Stammerer. TWO LIVES OF CHARLEMAGNE. (1969). ****. Here are two translations from early German manuscripts, both purporting to be “biographies” of Charlemagne. Neither is a biography in the strict sense, but both are interesting to read for a sense of the times. Einhard (b. 770) wrote his tale between 829 and 836. He became the advisor and personal friend of Charlemagne and remained so until the Emperor’s death in 814. He was also in high favor with Lewis the Pious...more
I particularly liked Notker the Stammerer's anecdotes for the glimpses into various parts of 8th-century life-- congregational singing, making fun of red-haired people, the difficulty of exchanging envoys and legates, etc. I also thought it fascinating when he said that the quote he just gave from Charlemagne he actually pulled from the Life of Ambrose because Charlemagne said it in Frankish which didn't translate into Latin well.
I'm afraid some of the things that puzzle me most the...more
I'm afraid some of the things that puzzle me most the...more
Surprisingly good. Einhard gives a very concise, solid version of Charlemagne's deeds. He can stand proudly among current authors, due to his brevity, references, and his admission of his own bias. Notker is something else entirely. His book is not cohesive, nor is it history. Rather, it is a series of sycophantic anecdotes about a wise king catching wicked bishops, pagans, and other bandits red-handed. Notker does a good job, but it's not the sort of thing that will appeal to most readers.
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Einhard, writing in the manner of Suetonious, gives us the new Roman emperor, Charlemagne. It seems so innocent at times, despite the constant warfare. I especially appreciate the descriptions of Charlemagne trying to learn to write. The story of a man who did change history, both through his battles and through his conservation and advancement of learning.
Charlemagne was the first European, and understanding who he was and what it meant to be Christian and European during his time is critical in understanding the formation of Europe, the Catholic Church and the modern world. There, isn't that enough reason to pick up this book? How about his questionable relations with his sister, daughters, wives and concubines?
So Einhard writes about Charlemagne. And he also appears to have been the first to record what really happened at Roncevaux, but his account is frustratingly brief. From his single reference to "Roland, Lord of the Briton Marches", we get the Song of Roland as we know it today. Einhard paid more attention to Charlemagne's clothes and stuff (apparently, he wore a blue cloak).
Interesting somewhat. Started the book with no knowledge of Carolingian Renaissance ; had to BS a quick 8 pg paper in 6 hrs.... Would def recommend for those interesting in learning about a ruler who was sought by posterity as a model for rulership , Christian virtues, etc --- would probably not read it again =p
There's not much to say about these two 'biographies' of Charlemagne. The first, written by Einhard, a contemporary of Charlemagne, is brief and barren. His military exploits and his dress and manners are detailed, but one gets little indication of what the man was really like. Fine, but boring. The second, written by Notker the Stammerer, a monk at the monastery of Saint Gall, was much more interesting. However, I learned far less about Charlemagne, than about the inept and corrupt bishops...more
Contrast Einhard's life based on the Suetonius model and the anecdotal semi-folktale collection of Noktar the Stammerer.
Another book for my Western Civ in Medieval Times class, only read the "Einhard" part.
Two Lives of Charlemagne (Classics) by Abbot of Seligenstadt Einhard (1969)
The original source text for most
*note to self.copy from Al.
A nice read for people who like reading about historical figures.
The book is split into 2 halves (aside from the hefty intro) by two authors. The first author is the best for a more accurate historical source, while the other, written by a monk, serves as an example of the legend Charlemagne would become. I didn't know much about Charlemagne prior to this reading, and came out with more knowledge than the average person, I suppose.
The book is split into 2 halves (aside from the hefty intro) by two authors. The first author is the best for a more accurate historical source, while the other, written by a monk, serves as an example of the legend Charlemagne would become. I didn't know much about Charlemagne prior to this reading, and came out with more knowledge than the average person, I suppose.
Reading for Medieval Europe in application to the study of Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance.
I preferred Notker the Stammerer's biography to Einhard's, but was struck by both as being very true and friendly accounts of what Charlemagne was really like. There are more complete, more accurate histories out there, but to hear it in the words of those who knew him was fascinating.
I bought this -- or was given it -- in Florence. I read it before going to Aachen the first time. Thanks to Notker the Stammerer, we know that Pippin the younger, in the earliest days of unsettled Aachen, slew a demon in the hot springs. "Do not mind this little affair..."
Part researched history, part memoir, a must book for the man who turned Europe in the direction of light. Short read. Recommended.
Full of charming detail.
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Historian, born c. 770 in the district of the River Main in the eastern part of the Frankish Empire; d. 14 March, 840, at Seligenstadt. His earliest training he received at the monastery of Fulda, where he showed such exceptional promise that Abbot Baugulf sent him to the court of Charlemagne. His education was completed at the Palace School, where he was fortunate enough to count among his master...more
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