Flodoard of Rheims and the Writing of History in the Tenth Century

Flodoard of Rheims (893/4–966) is one of the tenth century's most intriguing but neglected historians, who wrote in the tumultuous decades that followed the collapse of the pan-European Carolingian empire. This important re-appraisal of his life and work casts new light on the political and cultural history of tenth-century Europe.

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Flodoard of Rheims (893/4–966) is one of the tenth century's most intriguing but neglected historians. His works are essential sources for the emergence of the West Frankish and Ottonian kingdoms in the tumultuous decades following the collapse of the Carolingian empire in 888. Yet although Flodoard is a crucial narrative voice from this period, his works have seldom been considered in the context of the evolving circumstances of his turbulent career or his literary aims. This important new study is the first to analyse and synthesise Flodoard's entire output, suggesting that his writings about Rheims, contemporary politics and the Christian past have until now been taken at face value without regard for his own intentions or priorities, and therefore have been misunderstood. Edward Roberts' re-evaluation of the relationship between political participation, historical understanding and authorial individuality casts important new light on the political and cultural history of tenth-century Europe.