Charlemagne and the Paladins

Author: Julia Cresswell
Illustrator: Miguel Coimbra

This 80 page paperback book is the tenth book in the Myths and Legends Series of books available from Osprey Publishing.

Amidst the chaos and violence of Europe in the eighth century, Charlemagne became king of the Franks and established a large empire. As Charlemange’s power grew, so did the stories attached to his name.
This book explores the myths and legends of the great king Charlemagne, from the stories about his mother, Bertha Bigfoot, and his youthful adventures with the thief, Basin, to his fantastical journeys to Jerusalem and Constantinople. It also retells the stories of his most famous knights, the Paladins. These brave warriors were all heroes in their own right, and included many famous names such as Roland, Ogier the Dane, Oliver, Archbishop Turpin, and Guy of Burgundy. Together with his Paladins, Charlemagne established a court to rival Camelot and led the Christian kingdoms of Europe in their ongoing struggles with the armies of the East. Although this great ruler eventually passed away, quietly in his bed, the legends say that he now sits on his golden throne beneath the mountain, waiting until the need of his people calls him forth again.

The contents of this book are;

• Charlemange in History and Legend
• The Paladins
• The Song of Roland
• Roland and Oliver
• Guy of Burgundy
• Ogier the Dane
• Turpin
• The Italian Versions
• Childe Roland
• Charlemagne’s Long Afterlife
• Further Reading

Paperback; July 2014; 80 pages