The Origins Of France Book

Overall, a generally good general survey of the institutions in the area that eventually became France and how they evolved over time, from just after the fall of Rome to the end of the first millennium. This is not a linear history but rather a survey of the socioeconomic forces at play and how these caused the evolution of society throughout the era discussed. Particularly fascinating was the emphasis not on kings and emperors but on smaller nobles and clergy and how the various relationships between the various societal strata impacted further development of society overall.

My one main complaint is that I would have liked more details. I realize this is most likely a source documentation issue: there just are not many reliable source documents from this time. However, the book gives glimpses at fascinating details, but glimpses only.

Overall, though, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about this important time period, echoes of which impacted the overall development of the French monarchy at least through to the French Revolution.