Autobiography of Emperor Charles IV and His Legend of St Wenceslas (Central European Medieval Texts)

One of the few autobiographies to have survived from the Middle Ages, this life history of one of the most influential rulers of the fourteenth century, Charles IV of Bohemia, covers his life from birth until his election as King of Germany in 1346. Charles IV describes his childhood, spent mainly in the court of French kings, his juvenile years, his marriage and his first steps into the international political scene during the early part of the fourteenth century. A unique addition to this volume is the first ever English translation of the Legend of Saint Wenceslas, written by Charles IV of Luxemburg. This is the first autobiography to contain both the Latin narrative sources and a complete English-language translation. The Autobiography Of The German Emperor And Bohemian King Charles Iv, One Of The Few To Survive From The Middle Ages, Gives A Unique Insight Into The Personality Of One Of The Most Influential Rulers Of 14th-century Central Europe. Covering The Years From His Birth In 1316 Until His Election As The King Of Germany In 1346, Charles Tells Of His Childhood At The Court Of The French Kings, His Marriage, His First Steps On The International Scene In Support Of His Father John Of Luxemburg's Italian Policies, His Return To Bohemia And His Administration There, And His Participation In John's Wars In Silesia. Charles Also Writes At Length On His Ideals Of The Perfect Ruler, And Does Not Attempt To Hide His Dreams, Temptations, Affections, And Faith. The Volume Also Includes The First Complete English Translation Of Charles's Legend Of St. Wenceslas.--book Jacket. Introduction / Ferdinand Seibt -- Karoli Iv Imperatoris Romanorum [vita Ab Eo Ipso Conscripta] -- Karoli Iv Imperatoris Romanorum [hystoria Nova De Sancto Wenceslao Martyre] -- Emperor Charles Iv [legend Of St. Wenceslas] -- Gazetteer Of Geographical Names. Edited By Balázs Nagy And Frank Schaer ; With An Introduction By Ferdinand Seibt. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [211]-219) And Indexes.