A bit bland and lacking in detail

As someone interested in history, i thought i’d give this a go.

Theres nothing wrong with this but…its clearly but rather blandly read, and the content doesn’t enthuse the listener.

A more enthusiastic reader might give it more life, but at the same time some of the book seems to skate over details when inclusion might actually be quite interesting .

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Another Brad survey of early mediaeval Europe

Unsure how recent the original may be, but this is a useful survey of the life and times of a very important man. The reader is particularly to be complimented for his efforts in the first appendix, to read and pronounce both ancient German and the earliest written French: who knows how it sounded, but a characteristically brave try!
Chamberlin gives a really broad cultural and political context and I’just read his book on the bad popes with which this book makes useful and insightful connections.

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1 person found this helpful

A really good listen.

I tried another biography of Charlemagne and became very bored with the tediousness of the detail and the unenthusiastic narration, but I wanted to know more about him and so tried this one - it was a freebie; really glad I did. Being a war gamer and amateur historian of the military and political variety, I really needed to know more about this period and what made Charlemagne stand out; got it all here along with just enough detail to explain the characters of the main players and the decisions they made. The narrator was first class and sounded as though he had written it himself and was conveying his enthusiasm for the subject to his audience. It really does make all the difference.
Never got tired of it and listened through in about 4 sittings. I recommend it to anyone of similar ilk. Mick the Hick. 😊

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Fascinating

Very well narrated account of an unmissable history. I just wish this was longer and will probably listen again.

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A very important person in world history

Charlemagne was without doubt one of the most important person in history and arguably in history of Europe. The man himself had a an amazing life of discipline and his wisdom. He managed to keep a nation together in an utter chaotic era.
Very well narrated too.

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Annoying comments from the author

Annoying comments from the author about women and religion sketch a picture of his personal believes which ruined the otherwise good book with interesting information.

Pointing out bias by earlier sources for political reasons works not only for men, it is time to work with the misogyny originating from the patriarchal context as well. Did he really hand power to his wife because she had a pretty face? Were powerful women promiscuous evil witches? I would like to recommend Agrippina by Emma Southon on how to handle ancient sources.

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Dated and awful book

I abandoned it. There is a more recent book by Janet Nelson, which I will read instead.

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