Mohammed and Charlemagne
Mohammed and Charlemagne
Henri Pirenne
Paul Graham
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?"
+
1
All books

Mohammed and Charlemagne

Mohammed and Charlemagne

Henri Pirenne
By
Henri Pirenne
4.0
631
ratings on Goodreads

In "Mohammed and Charlemagne," the final and perhaps most provocative work of the esteemed Belgian historian Henri Pirenne, the foundations of European history are compellingly re-examined. Pirenne challenges the conventional narrative that attributes the dissolution of the Roman Empire primarily to the barbarian invasions, proposing instead a groundbreaking thesis that it was the ascendancy of Islam that fundamentally disrupted the continuity of classical antiquity. This seminal analysis posits that the Islamic conquests severed the Mediterranean region’s long-standing role as a vibrant conduit for trade and intellectual exchange, transforming it into a barrier that compelled the axis of European life to pivot northward for the first time. Through this lens, Pirenne elucidates the emergence of medieval Europe in the shadow of a transformed Mediterranean world, setting the stage for the rise of Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire. Pirenne's work, posthumously published, stands as a testament to his scholarly ingenuity and remains a cornerstone of medieval historical scholarship. With its lucid prose and compelling arguments, "Mohammed and Charlemagne" not only redefines the understanding of a crucial epoch in Western history but also continues to inspire debate and research among historians today. This book is an indispensable read for anyone fascinated by the intricate tapestry of Europe's past, offering insights that challenge long-held assumptions and invite readers to explore the complex interplay of forces that shaped the continent’s medieval destiny. Pirenne’s legacy, encapsulated in this masterful study, endures as a beacon of innovative historiography, making "Mohammed and Charlemagne" essential reading for students of history, medievalists, and general readers alike.

Read more
Released
1937
1 Jan
Length
304
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?"
One thing is certain—that there was an active circulation of money. We must repudiate the idea that the people of the Merovingian epoch lived under a system of natural economy.
— Henri Pirenne, Mohammed and Charlemagne

Similar recommendations

View all
Guns, Germs, and Steel
12
people
person
The Lessons of History
The Lessons of History
Will & Ariel Durant
8
people
person
Team of Rivals
Team of Rivals
Doris Kearns Goodwin
7
people
person
The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough
6
people
person
Lincoln
Lincoln
Gore Vidal
5
people
person
Accidental Presidents
4
people
person
Empire of the Summer Moon
4
people
person
Homage to Catalonia
Homage to Catalonia
George Orwell
4
people
person
On War
On War
Carl von Clausewitz
4
people
person

This site is part of Amazon’s Associates Program. Purchasing books recommended by successful individuals through my links earns us a small commission, helping keep the site running, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!