Description: Amidst the chaos and violence of Europe in the eighth century, Charlemagne became king of the Franks and established a large empire. As Charlemange's power grew, so did the stories attached to his name. This book explores the myths and legends of the great king Charlemagne, from the stories about his mother, Bertha Bigfoot, and his youthful adventures with the thief, Basin, to his fantastical journeys to Jerusalem and Constantinople. It also retells the stories of his most famous knights, the Paladins. These brave warriors were all heroes in their own right, and included such famous names as Roland, Ogier the Dane, Oliver, Archbishop Turpin, and Guy of Burgundy. With his Paladins, Charlemagne established a court to rival Camelot and Christian Europe in its struggles against the armies of the East.
Brief description: Julia Cresswell is an established reference author, whose books include Collins' Gem: Irish First Names and Scottish First Names.