The History of the Franks
By (Author) Gregory of Tours
Translated by Lewis Thorpe
Penguin Books Ltd
Penguin Classics
1st November 1982
28th November 1974
United Kingdom
General
Non Fiction
European history: medieval period, middle ages
944/.01
Paperback
720
Width 130mm, Height 197mm, Spine 30mm
484g
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.
Gregory of Tours (538-94), French historian, bishop of Tours (from 573), was born in Clermont-Ferrand. He had a distinguished and successful career as bishop. Gregory wrote accounts of miracles of the saints, an astronomical work to determine movable feasts, and a commentary on the Psalms. His masterpiece, Historia Francorum history of the Franks , in 10 books, is a universal history; its account of contemporary events is of great importance.