The Book of Emperors: a Translation of the Middle High German Kaiserchronik

Brief Description: The "Kaiserchronik" (c.1152-1165) is the first verse chronicle to have been written in a language other than Latin. This story recounts the exploits of the Roman, Byzantine, Carolingian, and Holy Roman kings and rulers, from the establishment of Rome to the start of the Second Crusade. As an early example of popular history, it was written for a non-monastic audience who would have preferred to read, or may only have been able to read, in German. As a rhymed chronicle, its combined use of the styles of language found within a vernacular epic and a factual treaty was a German innovation. "The Book of Emperors "is the first complete translation of the "Kaiserchronik "from Middle High German to English. It is a rich resource not only for medieval German scholars and students, but also for those working in early cultural studies. It brings together an understanding of the conception of kingship in the German Middle Ages, from the relationship between emperor and king, to the moral, theological, and legal foundations of claims and legitimacy and the medieval epistemological approaches to historiography. This translation includes a substantial introduction that discusses the historical and philological context of the work, as well as the themes of power and kingship. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction that distinguishes historical truths from the epic fiction found within the original text. Review Quotes: "A significant contribution in History, Cultural Studies, and German Studies."Siegfried Christoph, Professor of German, University of Wisconsin-ParksideBiographical Note: Henry A. Myers is Professor Emeritus of History at James Madison University. Jacket Description/Back: The "Kaiserchronik" (c.1152-1165) is the first verse chronicle to have been written in a language other than Latin. This story recounts the exploits of the Roman, Byzantine, Carolingian, and Holy Roman kings and rulers, from the establishment of Rome to the start of the Second Crusade. As an early example of popular history, it was written for a non-monastic audience who would have preferred to read, or may only have been able to read, in German. As a rhymed chronicle, its combined use of the styles of language found within a vernacular epic and a factual treaty was a German innovation. "The Book of Emperors "is the first complete translation of the "Kaiserchronik "from Middle High German to English. It is a rich resource not only for medieval German scholars and students, but also for those working in early cultural studies. It brings together an understanding of the conception of kingship in the German Middle Ages, from the relationship between emperor and king, to the moral, theological, and legal foundations of claims and legitimacy and the medieval epistemological approaches to historiography. This translation includes a substantial introduction that discusses the historical and philological context of the work, as well as the themes of power and kingship. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction that distinguishes historical truths from the epic fiction found within the original text. Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Table of Contents: Acknowledgments -- Editor's Note -- Introduction -- 1. The Book of Emperors and its Treatment of History -- 1.1. The tradition of world historiography in the Middle Ages: Augustine, Orosius, and Otto of Freising -- 1.2. Mid-twelfth-century Germany: deeds replace the two cities -- 1.3. I tell you this for sure -- 2. The Value of the Book of Emperors as a Source of Intellectual History -- 2.1. The ancient law uniting church and empire -- 2.2. True kingship -- 2.3. The Donation of Constantine and the translation of Empire -- 2.4. Christian clemency and draconic law enforcement -- 2.5. Prayer-answering as within a feudal contract -- 3. Composition and Utilization of the Work -- 3.1. Authorship -- 3.2. Patronage -- 3.3. Sources -- 3.4. Influence -- 4. Stylistic Considerations -- 4.1. The author's style: scholarly urgency -- 4.2. This translation -- 4.3. This title -- The Book of Emperors -- Note to readers: Verse line numbers accompany the names of each chapter in brackets as a guide to the original work. -- Prologue [1-42] -- 1. Rome's Founding: Roman Gods for Each Day of the Week and the Bells that Warned of Revolt [43-246] -- 2. Julius Caesar [247-602] -- 3. Augustus Caesar [603-670] -- 4. Tiberius [671-1114] -- 5. Caius Caligula (Jovinus Legend) [1115-1218] -- 6. Faustinian [1219-4038] -- 7. Claudius [4039-4082] -- 8. Nero [4083-4304] -- 9. Tarquin [4305-4834] -- 10. Galba and Piso [4835-4846] -- 11. Otho [4847-4860] -- 12. Vitellius (Odnatus Legend) [4861-5098] -- 13. Vespasian [5099-5364] -- 14. Titus [5365-5556] -- 15. Domitian [5557-5682] -- 16. Nerva [5683-5838] -- 17. Trajan [5839-6096] -- 18. Philip [6097-6150] -- 19. Decius [6151-6450] -- 20. Diocletian and Maximian [6451-6621] -- 21. Severus [6622-7135] -- 22. Helvius (Helius) Pertinax [7136-7211] -- 23. Helius Adrianus (Hadrian) [7212-7243] -- 24. Lucius Accommodus [7244-7425] -- 25. Achilleus [7426-7451] -- 26. Gallienus [7452-7603] -- 27. Constantius Chlorus [7604-7805] -- 28. Constantine I the Great [7604-10510] -- 29. Sylvester [10511-10634] -- 30. Julian [10635-11137] -- 31. Heraclius [11138-11351] -- 32. Narcissus (Legend of the Two Theodorics) [11352-12812] -- 33. Justinian [12813-13066] -- 34. Theodosius [13067-13650] -- 35. Constantine Leo [13651-13824] -- 36. Zeno [13825-14193] -- 37. Constantine VI [14194-14281] -- 38. Charles I the Great [14282-15091] -- 39. Louis I the Pious [15092-15235] -- 40. Lothair I [15236-15316] -- 41. Louis II [15317-15399] -- 42. Charles III the Fat [15400-15518] -- 43. Arnulf [15518-15581] -- 44. Louis III the Child [15582-15651] -- 45. Conrad I [15652-15759] -- 46. Henry I [15760-15849] -- 47. Otto I the Great [15850-15974] -- 48. Otto II [15974-16063] -- 49. Otto III [16064-16141] -- 50. Henry II Saint Henry [16142-16253] -- 51. Conrad II [16254-16375] -- 52. Henry III the Black also the Good [16376-16531] -- 53. Henry IV [16532-16847] -- 54. Henry V [16848-16941] -- 55. Lothair II [16942-17179] -- 56. Conrad III [17180-17283] -- Bibliography -- Index.