The Merovingian Kingdoms (c. 450–751) dominated much of what is now France, Belgium, and Germany, and were the most powerful and long-lived of the states that transformed the inheritance of Rome after the Crisis of the Fifth Century. Yet they often remain representative of an imagined 'Dark Age', in which civility was eroded by migration, violence, illiteracy, superstition, and a retreat from globality. Through a deep exploration of manuscripts, charters, and burials, Merovingian Worlds offers a fresh account of the period, outlining its complexities, diversity and creativity. This was a world built on dynamic political, socio-economic, cultural, and religious interactions, and shaped by its wide-ranging connections from Britain and Ireland to Byzantium and beyond. The book provides a critical introduction to the rich source material and the modern debates that shaped our perception of Western Europe after the Fall of Rome.

‘James Palmer breathes life into Merovingian history in this accessible and well-balanced introduction to early medieval identity, power, and culture. His timely account of the Merovingian realms ranges broadly across historiographical, legal, religious, educational, economic, and climatic developments.’

Bonnie Effros - co-editor with Isabel Moreira of The Oxford Handbook of the Merovingian World

‘James Palmer’s Merovingian Worlds introduces a field of history that has recently been the focus of exciting revision. Palmer’s narrative is clear, and his analysis of Merovingian society is comprehensive. Asking how we know about its various aspects is the book’s great strength.’

Paul Fouracre - The University of Manchester

‘Accessible and up to date, this book will be an invaluable resource for new generations of students and guide them safely through the joys as well as the challenges of Merovingian history. A worthy successor to Ian Wood’s The Merovingian Kingdoms.’

Alice Rio - King’s College London

‘Arguably one the most commendable attributes of the book is that it does not fall into the time-honoured trap of Merovingian studies: placing Gregory of Tours at the centre of analysis … While the reputations of both Gregory and the Merovingians have been rehabilitated, Palmer’s book is amongst the first of its scope to treat other Merovingian sources (not just historical texts) on genuinely equal footing. This is refreshing for specialists and sets a valuable precedent for newcomers alike, establishing Merovingian Worlds as an essential starting point for anyone seeking a comprehensive overview of the period.’

Michaela Selway Source: H-Soz-Kult