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Title: Gregory of Tours: The History of the Franks by Lewis Thorpe, Gregory of Tours, Gregory ISBN: 0-14-044295-2 Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: April, 1983 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4 (4 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: "A Fulfilling Read"
Comment: Gregory, the assiduous bishop of Tours, treats the history of the world until the year 511 in the first two books, and covers the history of the Franks up the the year 591 in the remaining eight. Although he wrote in the crude Latin that was later to become the native French, his narrative is still entertaining and valuable for the knowledge he provides of sixth-century Gaul. His primary purpose for this work is to show the spread of Christianity through the exploits of kings, missionaries and martyrs. This book will be rewarding for anyone serious about history.
Rating: 4
Summary: Not For Everyone
Comment: The chronicles of Bishop Gregory of Tours are a rich piece of source material from a time and place whence such material is scarce. He seems to know all that was going on and he doesn't hesitate to tell it all. The political and social chaos left in the wake of the collapse of Rome's secular authority in the west is described in a vivid and readable style. Petty chieftains ruled over their local territories with little restraint, often inflicting cruel fates on those who crossed their paths. Order was precarious. Life was dangerous and often cut short arbitrarily. In the midst of all this upheaval, Gregory shines forth like a sixth century gossip columnist.
What I found most intriguing in Gregory's account is the way that the local Roman aristocracy used the structure of the church to maintain whatever degree of order and restraint they could manage. Gregory doesn't make this point explicitly, but it is clear from his account of events and people. Bishops routinely came from families of senatorial rank, and were often men who had already raised families themselves. By holding positions as abbots, bishops, etc., the remnants of the old order were able to exert influence over the barbarian chiefs who now controlled secular life, encouraging moderation and the rule of law over personal whim. They were also able to maintain a certain degree of moral and, in a limited sense, secular authority for Rome. Though imperial authority was gone, the bishops of Rome were able to step into the void in a limited way. The modern Popes can be seen as direct descendants of the Caesars in an institutional sense.
Despite his gossipy style, Gregory isn't for everyone. He clearly doesn't have the formal training of the classical Roman historians. His narrative is not only gossipy, but somewhat jumbled. The familiarity is pleasant, but the cascade of names and events can be quite difficult. For the historian, or the reader with a serious interest in this period, this is a treasure trove of information, but the casual reader may struggle to keep it all straight. If that happens, Gregory's "History" can become more work than pleasure.
Rating: 5
Summary: Shedding light on the Dark Ages
Comment: St. Gregory's "History of the Franks" is a far better read than almost any other manuscript handed down to us from the ancient post-Roman period. His powers of observation are exceeded only by his keen eye for a scandalous story. If you can stomach the dry readings of historical documents, this oldest of the primary post-Roman European histories will be a pleasure.
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