In spite of the very modest scale on which this book
has been written, I trust that it may be of some use
to students of European History. Though there are
several excellent monographs in existence dealing with
various sections of the period 476-918, there is no continuous
general sketch in English which covers the whole
of it. Gibbon’s immortal work is popularly supposed
to do so, but those who have read it most carefully
are best aware that it does not. I am not acquainted
with any modern English book where the inquirer
can find an account of the Lombard kings, or of the
Mohammedan invasions of Italy and Sicily in the ninth
century, or of several other not unimportant chapters in
the early history of Europe. I am in hopes, therefore,
that my attempt to cover the whole field between 476
and 918 may not be entirely useless to the reading
public.
I must acknowledge my indebtedness to two living
authors, whose works have been of the greatest possible
help to me in dealing with two great sections of
this period, Doctor Gustav Richter, whose admirable
collection of original authorities in his Annalen des
Fränkischen Reichs makes such an excellent introduction
to the study of Merovingian and Carolingian
times, and Professor Bury of Dublin, whose History of
the Later Roman Empire has done so much for the
knowledge of East-Roman affairs between 476 and 800.
Nor must I omit to express my indebtedness to the
kindly and diligent hands which spent so many summer
hours in the laborious task of compiling my index.
A word ought, perhaps, to be added on the vexed
question of the spelling of proper names. I have
always chosen the most modern form in speaking of
places, but in speaking of individuals I have employed
that used by contemporary authorities, save in the case
of a few very well known names, such as Charles,
Henry, Gregory, Lewis, where archaism would savour
of pedantry.
Oxford, November 1893.
PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION
The author has to acknowledge much kind help in the
revision of this second edition given him by the Rev.
Dr. Bright, Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History;
by Mr. C. H. Turner, Fellow of Magdalen College; by
the Rev. F. E. Brightman, of University College; and
by the unwearied compiler of the index. They have
materially improved the accuracy of the book by their
suggestions.
October 30, 1894.
