The book explores the legend of Charlemagne to examine the evolving relationship between East and West during the early medieval period, particularly before the First Crusade. It highlights how this historical narrative has shaped cultural and political dynamics over centuries, providing insights into the complexities of medieval thought and the significance of memory in shaping empires.
'There's never been a more honest or raw memoir ... and it may just save
lives' Daily Mail'Funny, fascinating, compelling ... also a wonderful read for
fans of Friends' The TimesThe beloved star of Friends takes us behind the
scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this... číst celé
"The beloved star of Friends takes us behind the scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this candid, funny, and revelatory memoir that delivers a powerful message of hope and persistence In an extraordinary story that only he could tell, Matthew Perry takes readers onto the soundstage of the most successful sitcom of all time while opening up about his private struggles with addiction. Candid, self-aware, and told with his trademark humor, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with the disease and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that shares the most intimate details of the love Perry lost, his darkest days, and his greatest friends. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and hilarious: this is the book fans have been waiting for"--
"The beloved star of Friends takes us behind the scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this candid, funny, and revelatory memoir that delivers a powerful message of hope and persistence In an extraordinary story that only he could tell, Matthew Perry takes readers onto the soundstage of the most successful sitcom of all time while opening up about his private struggles with addiction. Candid, self-aware, and told with his trademark humor, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with the disease and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that shares the most intimate details of the love Perry lost, his darkest days, and his greatest friends. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and hilarious: this is the book fans have been waiting for"--
This lively and magisterial popular history refutes common misperceptions of the European Middle Ages, revealing the beauty and communion that flourished alongside its brutality—a brilliant reflection of humanity itself. The term "medieval" often evokes images of the "Dark Ages," characterized by ignorance, superstition, and savagery. However, this myth obscures the truth of a remarkable period in human history. The narrative recasts the European Middle Ages, capturing this 1,000-year era in all its complexity and fundamental humanity, highlighting both its beauty and horrors. It traverses ten centuries across Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa, revisiting familiar figures and events with fresh insights. We gain new perspectives on the Fall of Rome, Charlemagne, the Vikings, the Crusades, and the Black Death, while also exploring the multi-religious experience of Iberia, the rise of Byzantium, and the genius of Hildegard, alongside the power of queens. Beginning under a canopy of stars crafted by an empress of diverse heritage, the journey concludes nearly a millennium later with Dante, whose epic saga of heaven and hell remains a literary masterpiece. This history reminds us of the permeability of manmade borders and the myriad worlds the past has offered. Though the Middle Ages may have seemed "lit only by fire," they illuminated the magnificent rose windows of cathedrals while fueling the pyres of accused heretics.
The War of Brothers That Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe
304pages
11 heures de lecture
The Carolingian Civil War unfolds as a brutal conflict among family members, highlighting the collapse of a once-unified empire under Charlemagne's descendants. Following the overthrow of Louis the Pious by his sons, alliances shatter, leading to a protracted struggle marked by betrayal and violence. Historians David M. Perry and Matthew Gabriele delve into this turbulent era, drawing from rich primary sources to illustrate the consequences of political disintegration. The narrative raises critical questions about identity and the fallout from discord, echoing themes relevant to contemporary society.
