The Life of Charlemagne (Charles the Great)

"The Life of Charlemagne (Charles the Great)" by Thomas Hodgkin is a deep dive into the historical importance of Charlemagne and his lasting effect on medieval Europe. The book explores Charlemagne's journey to becoming the King of the Franks, his military actions, and his effect on changing Western Europe during the early Middle Ages. It begins by painting a picture of Charlemagne's importance in history, showing him as a key person in the shift from the old classical world to a new European structure, focusing on the decline of the Roman Empire and the appearance of different groups of people. Hodgkin makes it clear that it's important to know about Charlemagne's ancestors and the history that led to his time as king, suggesting the story will blend Charlemagne's life story with the wider history of the time, pointing out both his successes and the political situation of the time.