History of the Franks

This collection brings Gregory of Tours’ History of the Franks to a modern ear, focusing on the everyday lives, customs, and conversations that shaped early medieval Gaul. Rather than a mere chronicle of royal intrigue, the selections highlight how ordinary people experienced the turbulence of murder, exile, and saintly devotion, offering a vivid snapshot of society’s rhythms and values.

Edited and annotated by a team of scholars, the volume condenses the sprawling original into a readable anthology, preserving key episodes while summarizing less essential passages. The accompanying notes and bibliographic guides help listeners place each story in its broader cultural and legal context, making the work an accessible portal into the world of the Merovingian Franks without overwhelming detail.