History Books

Various History Books including Social History

Covering a range of topics from ancient civilizations to modern times, this selection provides thoughtful, well-researched content. Whether you're interested in the rise and fall of empires, cultural and technological developments, or the lives of key historical figures, these books offer a detailed and educational look at the past. With a focus on clear storytelling and thorough research, these books provide valuable insights into the events that shaped the world..

Several of these books are in French. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mQ0S4EPsmn_ZhmbTNGiUz5jiJKgK7BCE5yJWGYKidNQ/edit?usp=sharing

Carolingian, Merovingian & Gaulish Collection

Looking to fill out your Library for books on Merovingian, Carolingian, and Gaulish history, life, and art?

Are you looking to enhance your collection with rare and insightful titles on Merovingian, Carolingian, and Gaulish history? Whether you're a history enthusiast, researcher, passionate reader, or (as I am) just curious about a different life and time, this carefully curated selection has everything you need to fill out your library. From the rise of the Merovingian dynasty to the era of Charlemagne and the cultural heritage of ancient Gaul, you'll find books that dive deep into these fascinating periods.

Several of these books are in German or French language. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XlgaE0vU7pqkTtHjxY_Bzp38ODtkJFlPWpMvhPZ6MrU/edit?usp=sharing

Roman to Merovingian transition in Gaul

This is the definitive history of the transition from the Roman to Merovingian for social, political, and cultural life in Gaul. 

Sir Samuel Dill, Roman Society in Gaul in the Merovingian Age, MacMillan & Co, 1926.

"Society in Gaul in the Merovingian Age" by Sir Samuel Dill is a detailed exploration of social, political, and cultural life in Gaul (modern-day France and parts of Western Europe) during the Merovingian period (approximately 5th to 8th centuries). This is a scholarly work that examines the transformation of Roman Gaul into a Merovingian kingdom during the 5th to 8th centuries. 

Dill, an eminent historian of late antiquity, focuses on the social, political, and religious changes that shaped this transitional period, providing a detailed narrative of how Roman traditions persisted and evolved under the rule of the Frankish kings. As an author, he is known for his extensive examination of primary sources which are captured in the notes and reference section. There is also a comprehensive index if your search is for a particular topic.

The book cover has some lighter sections (see picture). The pages have a yellow tint from age. There are no markings in the book and all pages are present. 978-0049370029.

I'm asking $45.

From the Invasions to Pépin the Short

Castelot, André, and Alain Decaux. Des Invasions à Pépin le Bref. Robert Laffont, 1992. 

Des Invasions à Pépin le Bref is a detailed historical account that covers the crucial period in European history from the time of the barbarian invasions to the reign of Pépin the Short, the first king of the Carolingian dynasty. The book explores the political, military, and cultural transformations that occurred as Europe transitioned from the late Roman Empire to the early medieval period. Castelot and Decaux provide in-depth profiles of key figures and events that shaped the rise of the Frankish kingdom, laying the groundwork for the Carolingian Empire under Pépin’s son, Charlemagne.

The authors delve into the various invasions by tribes such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Lombards, and their impact on the former Roman territories. The narrative also highlights the consolidation of power by the Merovingians and the eventual rise of Pépin, who played a crucial role in reforming the Frankish kingdom and establishing the foundations for the Carolingian dynasty. This richly detailed work combines historical analysis with vivid storytelling, making it an engaging read for those interested in early medieval European history.

This book is an excellent resource for students, scholars, and history enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities of the early Middle Ages and the pivotal role played by Pépin the Short in shaping the future of European monarchies.

Written in French. Used - Hard Cover Larger Format. We pasted a bookplate on the first sheet, but it is otherwise in Good->Excellent condition. ISBN 9782221505229.

Asking $40

The next book in the series: Les Premiers Capétiens: 987-1137 is also available for $11. Asking $50 for the pair. 

Royal Merovingian Tombs

Wamers, Egon, and Patrick Périn, editors. Königinnen der Merowinger: Adelsgräber aus den Kirchen von Köln, Saint-Denis, Chelles und Frankfurt am Main. Regensburg: Schnell & Steiner, 2013.

This book presents the findings of a major German-French exhibition focusing on the Merovingian queens and aristocratic burials from several key sites, including the churches in Cologne, Saint-Denis, Chelles, and Frankfurt. Highlighting the archaeological excavations, it provides an in-depth exploration of the rich grave goods and historical context surrounding the burials of prominent Merovingian women, such as Queen Arnegunde, buried at Saint-Denis, and Queen Balthilde, interred at Chelles. The work is richly illustrated with 136 color images, making it a visually and academically significant resource for those studying early medieval European history, art, and archaeology​.

This volume is particularly notable for its analysis of grave artefacts, including jewelry and textiles, and its discussion of Christian and pagan burial practices in the Merovingian period. It offers valuable insights into the lives and legacies of these powerful women from one of Europe's earliest ruling dynasties.

Asking $120.

Merovingian Treasures

Fleury, Michel, and Albert France-Lanord. Les Trésors Mérovingiens de la Basilique de Saint-Denis. Gérard Klopp, 1998.

     

Edition #535

Les Trésors Mérovingiens de la Basilique de Saint-Denis by Michel Fleury and Albert France-Lanord is an in-depth exploration of the archaeological discoveries from the Merovingian necropolis beneath the Basilica of Saint-Denis, a site regarded as one of the most significant in European archaeology. Published in 1998, this comprehensive work spans 572 pages and contains over 400 illustrations, offering a detailed account of the tombs of high-ranking individuals, particularly women of the Merovingian royal court. Among the most notable finds is the tomb of Queen Arégonde, wife of Clotaire I, which remarkably preserved both precious jewelry and embroidered silk garments. The preservation of these artefacts is attributed to the protection offered by the tombs from rainwater, providing a unique glimpse into Merovingian burial customs and material culture.

The volume is richly illustrated and meticulously documents the excavation process, along with the artefacts' historical and cultural significance. It includes everything from sarcophagi to silk textiles and jewelry, offering an essential reference for scholars of Merovingian art, history, and archaeology. This publication stands as a foundational text in the study of early medieval European archaeology, providing detailed analysis that contextualizes the discoveries and highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of the period.

This large-format book (9.65” x 13.39”), weighing 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs), is in excellent->mint condition and comes with a slipcover box. Ideal for Early Period reenactors and scholars, the book is filled with remarkable drawings, photos, and recreations from the 90 archaeological sites beneath St. Denis. Written in French, it covers burial details, including artifact positioning, weaving techniques, and X-ray analyses of jewelry and adornments. A highlight of the book is the inclusion of Queen Arégonde’s artifacts, along with thorough analyses of fibers, leathers, metals, and dyes from the burial sites. This volume is an indispensable resource for understanding the early Northern European peoples and their cultural heritage.

Asking $270. (I will split shipping costs 50% given the weight of this book.)