A commentary translation of Einhard’s “Life of Charlemagne” (IX century) is published, as well as other texts by Carolingian authors. The introductory essay by M. S. Petrova gives a detailed outline of Einhard's literary heritage and intellectual environment. The publication is addressed to medievalists, teachers and students of humanitarian universities, as well as a wide range of readers interested in the history and literature of the early Middle Ages. CONTENTS: M. S. PETROV. Einhard: historian in history 7I. Historical biography 8Place, name, date of birth; education and activities in the monastery 9Physical appearance and nicknames; skills, activities and activities at the court of King Charles 12Activities and activities at the court of Louis; Einhard and Imma, The Last Years of Life 23Literary Heritage 26II. “The Life of Charlemagne” 26Einhard’s authorship, time and reasons for writing 26Possible sources 28Composition of the essay 29Model, language and style of writing 30Construction of history 30The declared purpose of the biography; creating the image of an unsurpassed ruler 32Einhard's hidden goals and the image of Louis 39III. Bibliographical information 42Editions and main manuscripts of “The Life of Charles” 42Translations of “The Life of Charles” into modern European and Russian languages 44VALAFRID STRAB. Prologue 46-47 GERVARD. Homage to Louis 48-49 EINHARD. Life of Charlemagne 50-51Notes 132RABAN MOOR. Epitaph to Einhard 152-153ANONIM. Song about the victory of King Pepin in 796 154-156ANONIM. Charlemagne and Pope Leo 164-165Notes 178APPENDICESi. Einhard: artist and architect 188II. Literary and historical sources of Einhard 197Ancient authors 197Early medieval texts 207III. Maps 2191. Places of Einhard's activities:1. 1. in Western Frankia 2201. 2. in Eastern Frankia 2211. 3. in Central Frankia 2222. Gaul during the reign of the Merovingians and Carolingians 2233. Pepin’s division of the Frankish state in 768... 2244. Italy on the eve of the Carolingian invasion 2255. Conquests Charlemagne:5. 1. Aquitaine 2265. 2. Saxony 2275. 3. Spain 2285. 4. Pannonia 2296. Empire of Charlemagne in 814 230IV. Genealogical tables 2311. Last Merovingians 2322. Pipinids-Carolingians 2333. Charlemagne 234V. “Biography of Charles” in trans. M. M. Stasyulevich 236General abbreviations 261Bibliographic abbreviations 262Bibliography 263Index of Latin names and titles 274Index of names, titles and concepts 284Illustrations 293Contents 301Contents 302