The History of the Franks

Description

Translated with an Introduction by Lewis Thorpe. 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. INTRODUCTION 7 I. Gregory of Tours 7 Genealogical table: the family of Gregory of Tours 11 II. The Times in which Gregory lived 16 Genealogical table: the Merovingians, down to Dagobert 18 III. Gregory's Writings 22 IV. The History of the Franks 23 1. Intention and shape 23 2. Historical and literary debts 27 3. Personal knowledge 31 4. Credibility 33 5. Other historians of the period 36 6. Language 38 7. Style 41 8. Humour and irony 46 9. Nature notes 50 10. The manuscripts 53 11. Earlier translations 54 12. This translation 54 V. Gregory down the Centuries 54 VI. Short Bibliography 56 ABBREVIATIONS USED FOR THE BOOKS WRITTEN BY GREGORY OF TOURS 59 MAP OF GAUL 60 PREFACE 63 BOOK I 65 BOOK II 101 BOOK III 159 BOOK IV 195 BOOK V 251 book VI 325 book VII 383 BOOK VIII 431 book IX 479 BOOK X 541 INDEX 605