Charlemagne's Courtier: The Complete Einhard

Readings in Medieval Civilizations and Cultures #3

by Einhard, Paul Edward Dutton (Editor)

Among the readings included are several existing letters by Emma (Einhard's wife), The Life of Charlemagne , and The History of His Relics . The latter work transports us into an almost unknown world as Einhard, the cool rationalist, arranges for a relic salesman, a veritable bone seller, to acquire saints? relics from Italy for installation into his new church. The reader is taken on an intrigue-filled trip to Rome, where Einhard's men creep into churches at night to steal bones and then spirit them away to Einhard in the north. The relics are received in town after town as if they were the living saints come to cure the infirm. Einhard's descriptions of the sick, the lame, and the blind of northern Europe vividly expose us to a side of medieval life too rarely encountered in other medieval sources.

Genres: History, Medieval History, Carolingian, Nonfiction, Biography, Medieval, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 840

About the author

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 masters the great Alcuin, who bears witness to his remarkable talents in mathematics and architecture, and also to the fact that he was among the emperor's most trusted advisers. Charlemagne gave Einhard charge of his great public buildings, e.g. the construction of Aachen cathedral and the palaces of Aachen and Ingelheim. Charlemagne also availed himself of Einhard's tact and prudence to send him on various diplomatic missions.

The most important of Einhard's works is the Vita Caroli Magni. This, the best biography of the whole period of the Middle Ages, written in close imitation of Suetonius, shows the emperor from the standpoint of the most intimate personal acquaintance with all sides of his character, and with a genuine attempt at truth of portrayal. The diction is in general elegant, though not polished. The annals of the Carolingian Empire, which have been handed down as Einhard's, are, in their present form, older materials worked over. Those for the years between 796 and 820 may date back to Einhard. In addition, we have from his hand the Translatio et Miracula SS. Marcellini et Petri, containing data which are important for the history of culture. The seventy-one letters, written by Einhard between 825 and 830 in a clear, simple style, constitute an important source for the history of Louis the Pious.



(Source: The Catholic Encyclopedia)

Reviews

[Mike Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book from the late 8th and early 9th century, where few writings exist. These are writings and and perspectives from a Christian abbot who was one of Charlemagne's assistants. Completely different than what we are used to today...but, very refreshing at the same time. However, this is a book for Medieval enthusiasts or students taking a Medieval history course.

[Teghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a medieval history class and whoa, booorring. If you care about Einhard (who was a favourite servant of Charlemagne) than you might like this book.

It is merely a collection of Einhard's journal entries translated into English. Yes, very boring.

I still have this book on my shelf despite being able to sell it back to another poor student forced to read it. I had to write a paper on it and I left it to the last minute....I keep this book as a reminder never to do that again.

The book is nicely arranged however. Lots of margin space for notes and the paper is nice.

[Angela]

A long, detailed book about the life of Charlemagne. Presents well the information about his life, from his piety to being crowned king by the Pope.