Early Lives of Charlemagne brings together the two most important early biographies of the great Frankish emperor: the Life of Charlemagne by his courtier Eginhard (Einhard), and the anecdotal account of the Monk of St Gall. Eginhard’s elegant Latin life, modelled on Suetonius, gives an intimate portrait of Charlemagne’s deeds, character, and court, while the Monk of St Gall’s later collection preserves vivid and entertaining legends of the emperor. Together they are essential sources for the Carolingian age.
Edited by Professor A. J. Grant, the volume offers readers direct access to how Charlemagne was remembered by those near his time. Eginhard’s biography is a classic of medieval literature, and the St Gall stories are a delight. Readers interested in Charlemagne, the Carolingian empire, or medieval biography will find it indispensable. This free EPUB edition makes available these celebrated early lives of one of the Middle Ages’ greatest rulers.