A History of the Franks

Written following the collapse of Rome's secular control over western Europe, the History of Gregory (c. AD 539-594) is a fascinating exploration of the events that shaped sixth-century France. This volume contains all ten books from the work, the last seven of which provide an in-depth description of Gregory's own era, in which he played an important role as Bishop of Tours. With skill and eloquence, Gregory brings the age vividly to life, as he relates the exploits of missionaries, martyrs, kings and queens - including the quarrelling sons of Lothar I, and the ruthless Queen Fredegund, third wife of Chilperic. Portraying an age of staggering cruelty and rapid change, this is a powerful depiction of the turbulent progression of faith at a time of political and social chaos.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member snabbieyoyo

Excellent except that it edits out a few too many of the sections dealing with the "miracles" of the period. Personally I find these superstitions some of the most vivid and revealing.

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LibraryThing member gbsallery

As a book, one of the most tedious I have ever read. Interesting only for the historical value, which paints a (presumably accurate) picture of a thoroughly unpleasant period. The life of the Franks appears to be nothing more than a catalogue of barbarity, leavened (if that is the word, which it

isn't) by instances of people making their already brutal lives yet more unpleasant in the name of the church. On the whole, a good argument against time travel.
This particular edition also suffers from some highly erratic footnotes. The book is possibly of interest to theological scholars, or people who need a list of flimsy "miracles".

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LibraryThing member DinadansFriend

Gregory is our principal narrative source for the transition from the Roman Province of Gaul to the maddening but fascinating country of France. While he believed in miracles he was a close observer of all those things that might have killed him and his friends. He starts his history with a

biography of Saint Martin and is stopped about 570 CE. The Lewis Thorpe translation is clear, and there are a number of useful notes. Do have a map of France handy, preferably one with multiple names for the older cities.

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