Frederick Barbarossa

G. A. Loud

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Hardback

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English

Reaktion Books
01 June 2025

Biography: historical, political & military; European history; Medieval history

Series: Medieval Lives

Frederick Barbarossa, also known as Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1155, was a dominant figure in late 12th-century European history.

He is remembered as one of the greatest medieval German emperors; some even regard him as a German hero. He brought peace to Germany, fought to maintain control over Italian cities and engaged in a lengthy dispute with the papacy. Barbarossa died on a Crusade to reclaim the Holy Land for Christianity. But despite his efforts, his reign marked a decline in imperial authority, with defeats in Italy and growing local power among German princes. Frederick Barbarossa examines this paradox, revealing the realities and limitations of monarchical power in medieval Europe. This is a cogent, original and up-to-date analysis of Barbarossa, suitable for both students and the general reader.

'An excellent overview, showing in a nuanced but accessible way how Barbarossa's personality and ambitions interacted with the structures of power and government available to him in Germany and Italy. It off ers vivid insights into both the scope and the limitations of a medieval monarch's power to act and to rule.'

Len Scales, Professor of Late Medieval History, Durham University

By: G. A. Loud
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
ISBN: 9781836390220
ISBN 10: 183639022X
Series: Medieval Lives
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 01 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface Introduction 1 Context 2 Early Years, 1152–8 3 Italy, 1158–78 4 Germany, 1158–78 5 The Last Years, 1178–90 Epilogue References Further Reading Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

G. A. Loud is Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Leeds . His previous books include The Chronicle of Arnold of Lbeck (2019) and The Social World of the Abbey of Cava, c. 10201300 (2021).

Reviews for Frederick Barbarossa

""German historiography has for a long time made Frederick Barbarossa into a national political figure of power. G. A. Loud releases the image of the Hohenstaufen ruler from this anachronistic portrayal and takes a confident view of the personage of the Emperor, the context of his political actions and his historical significance.""--Knut Görich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich ""Students of medieval Europe have long needed a clear and reliable introduction to one of the twelfth century's most important, fascinating and paradoxical rulers. This book will meet that need. G. A. Loud has written an excellent overview, showing in a nuanced but accessible way how Barbarossa's personality and ambitions interacted with the structures of power and government available to him in Germany and Italy. It offers vivid insights into both the scope and the limitations of a medieval monarch's power to act and to rule.""--Len Scales, Durham University