Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France

Name: Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France
Author: Alfred John Church

By Alfred John Church

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

The collection presents prose retellings of medieval chansons de geste centered on Charlemagne and his peers, blending battlefield exploits, feudal disputes, and encounters with Muslim adversaries. Episodes include family quarrels and rebellious vassals, single combat and sieges, a celebrated rear-guard action culminating in betrayal and tragic death, and a fairy-tinged quest involving a strange king that mixes magic with chivalric duty. Narratives are compressed and adapted to modern readers while preserving motifs of honor, loyalty, vengeance, and miraculous intervention, arranged to move from youthful adventure to the twilight of the sovereign's reign.

About the Author

Alfred John Church

Alfred John Church was a British author and historian known for his engaging retellings of classical history and literature. His works often focus on significant historical figures and events, making ancient history accessible to a wider audience. Among his notable titles is "A Young Macedonian in the Army of Alexander the Great," which explores the life and times of Alexander through the eyes of a young soldier. Church also contributed to the understanding of Roman and Greek literature with works like "Roman Life in the Days of Cicero" and "Stories from Livy." His storytelling blends historical accuracy with narrative flair, enriching the literary heritage of historical fiction.