Translated with an Introduction by Lewis Thorpe.
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.
Author(s): Gregory of Tours, Gregorius Turonensis, Lewis Thorpe (transl.)
Series: Penguin Classics
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1974
Language: English
Pages: 720
City: Harmondsworth
INTRODUCTION 7
I. Gregory of Tours 7
Genealogical table: the family of Gregory of Tours 11
II. The Times in which Gregory lived 16
Genealogical table: the Merovingians, down to Dagobert 18
III. Gregory's Writings 22
IV. The History of the Franks 23
1. Intention and shape 23
2. Historical and literary debts 27
3. Personal knowledge 31
4. Credibility 33
5. Other historians of the period 36
6. Language 38
7. Style 41
8. Humour and irony 46
9. Nature notes 50
10. The manuscripts 53
11. Earlier translations 54
12. This translation 54
V. Gregory down the Centuries 54
VI. Short Bibliography 56
ABBREVIATIONS USED FOR THE BOOKS WRITTEN BY GREGORY OF TOURS 59
MAP OF GAUL 60
PREFACE 63
BOOK I 65
BOOK II 101
BOOK III 159
BOOK IV 195
BOOK V 251
book VI 325
book VII 383
BOOK VIII 431
book IX 479
BOOK X 541
INDEX 605
