SEVEN MEDIEVAL KINGS

by Joseph Dahmus ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 14, 1967

The subtitle for this volume might well read: ""A text for beginning students in medieval history."" Seven Medieval Kings examines the careers of Justinian, Harun al-Rashid, Charlemagne, Henry II, Frederic II, Louis IX and Louis XI in too many colorless pages. The author states that his intention is through biography ""to span the period of the Middle Ages, from the decline of Rome until the close of the fifteenth century."" By the year 600 most students will be sound asleep. Little information is given about the culture in which each of the monarchs lived; even less is said about their personal lives. No attempt is made to chart the changes in medieval institutions through the 900-year period. There is much useful information here, but readers of history seeking an articulate viewpoint will be sorely disappointed. The one area in which the author displays real expertise is that of church history. A second-rate biographer, Dahmus has substituted bare fact for character and movement.

Pub Date: April 14, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION