Janet L. Nelson Books

Her work focuses on early medieval Europe, including Anglo-Saxon England, exploring themes of kingship, government, political ideas, religion, and ritual. She pays particular attention to women and gender during this period. Her scholarship employs rigorous historical research and analytical insight to understand the complex social and political structures of the early Middle Ages. Her extensive publications contribute to a deeper understanding of pivotal aspects of European history.

King and Emperor
704 pages
25 hours of reading
A DAILY TELEGRAPH AND BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 'A remarkable book: the dramatic story of a truly extraordinary man ... brilliant' Helen Castor, author of She-Wolves This major biography explores the life of one of history's most extraordinary rulers, Charles, king of the Franks, known as 'Charlemagne' in France and 'Karl der Grosse' in Germany. His remarkable strength of character was evident throughout his long reign. Although warfare, accidents, and the passage of time have destroyed much evidence from the twelve centuries since his death, a significant amount remains. Janet L. Nelson's insightful work compiles and examines all known information about Charlemagne, delving into the evidence to better understand his motivations. With her extensive knowledge of historical sources, Nelson crafts a detective story, interpreting intriguing materials—from prayer books to skeletons and artwork. Charlemagne's legacy is profound, as he shaped duchies and counties, rebuilt towns and monasteries, and positioned himself as the new 'Emperor governing the Roman Empire.' His successors have grappled with his legacy, attempting to interpret or subvert it. Nelson brings us closer to understanding the real figure of Charlemagne as he was perceived in his own time.
3.6
Orte der Macht
Essays
504 pages
18 hours of reading
Karl der Große war eine europäische Gestalt – und unser Kontinent gewann Gestalt durch ihn und seine Herrschaft. Die fast 50 Aufsätze dieses Bandes entfalten nahezu alle Facetten karolingischer Macht und Geschichte. Die Herrschaftspraxis Karls, seine Reisetätigkeit, die Pfalzen und Paläste werden ebenso beschrieben wie die diplomatischen Beziehungen des karolingischen Hofes und dessen innere Struktur. Dimensionen, Grenzen und Kerngebiete des fränkischen Herrschaftsbereiches werden ausgelotet, ebenso ein über Jahrhunderte zentrales Problem mittelalterlicher Geschichte in seinen Anfängen betrachtet: das Verhältnis von Staat und Kirche. Karls Frömmigkeit und die seiner Epoche ist ein weiteres Thema. Der Tod des Kaisers 814 markierte einen Einschnitt in der Geschichte des frühen Mittelalters – und machte Platz für den Mythos von Karl dem Großen, dem Vater Europas.

King and Emperor

Orte der Macht