EINHARD.

£6,750 · Offered by Sokol Books

Important first edition of Einhard s classic biography of Charlemagne, remarkably in a luxury contemporary probably Rhenish binding. The editor, Count Hermann von Neuenahr (c. 1492-1530) was an influential German theologian and statesman, friend of Erasmus. Einhard (c. 775-840) was an outstanding Frankish historian and writer. Educated at the monastery of Fulda, a major learning centre in the Frank lands, he lived for many years at the court of Charlemagne. Here, he worked as an architect and became a close friend and adviser to the emperor. After Charlemagne s death, Einhard was appointed secretary to his son and successor Louis the Pious, but soon left the court and retired to the abbey of Seligenstadt, where he died. He founded with the English theologian Alcuinus and the Lombard monk Paul the Deacon the prestigious Schola Palatina, Charlemagne s court school. Vita et gesta Karoli Magni (Life of Charles the Great) is a masterpiece of Medieval literature, considered the first biography ever written of a European ruler. Based on official accounts held in the royal archives and on the author s own memories, this is one of the most important and reliable sources of information concerning Charlemagne and his reign. The work is modelled on Suetonius Lives of the Cesars: the first section is concerned with Charlemagne s life as king, his career and public life; the second outlines his physical appearance and character, his private life, including details of his health, his favour

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.