Interesting read and pretty good overview of the Franks. Edward James wrote this book for a series focusing on 'Peoples of Europe,' and so he frames his argument around different conceptions of what it meant to be a 'Frank' at different periods in French (and Belgian, and German) history.The heart of the book, though, focuses on the Franks from the 4th to the 7th centuries, especially focusing on the Merovingians from Childeric to Dagobert. James does the best he can with the political narrative [...]

Of all the “barbarian” Germanic peoples who migrated south and west across the Empire over a period of five centuries, the Franks were the most successful. They acquired the most territory, influenced other peoples the most, and retained much of their identity in the process. This was largely because they were highly adaptable and generally tolerant of the customs and beliefs of others. Edwards is a recognized expert in early medieval history and archaeology, and a very readable writer as we [...]

Not really for casual consumption, this is far-reaching in its supportive material, to the extent that it dwelt altogether too much on features such as burial customs and numismatics. I must say, however, that I learned an interesting and valuable lesson in terminus post quem, i.e the date (from a coin) after which the event associated with its discovery must have taken place. (It was neat how this tied into a coin from Alexander the Great's reign found buried with Childeric, p. 24).James brough [...]

This is an excellent overview of the Franks. James does a good job at discussing the sources and presenting his arguments in a clear and easy-to-read manuscript. He glosses over many of the overwhelming periods of repetitive monarchs and their policies so he can focus on the people and Frankish society.

Lots of graveyard archaeology and lore of Kings begetting Kings. Not as much social, cultural, geographic, or technological history as I was looking for.

Interesting and well written overview, with a heavy emphasis on archaeological data. Richly illustrated. Limitation: only period from 4th to early 7th century well worked out, then synopsis.