![]() ![]() ![]() Notker the Stammerer’s book is certainly the more humorous. ![]() Of the two biographies, this is certainly the more hyperbolic (if not also sycophantic). The language is florid and the picture painted of the King larger than life. Here, the author takes several literary liberties and seems to sacrifice historical accuracy in order to achieve aesthetic effect. ![]() The alternate biography written by Notker the Stammerer (or Monk of Saint Gall) comes across as less academic and more light-hearted. As for the literary qualities of the work, Einhard’s style is reminiscent of Suetonius who wrote during the peak of the Roman Empire. The coverage of King’s family and personal life is kept to a minimum, as is the convention of the time. The main focus of Einhard’s work was the official life of Charlemagne, which entailed the wars he participated in, the key political decision that he took, the civil society projects he implemented, etc. By the time he undertook this project, the King had already passed away, which goes on to show how well the author’s memory and observation had served him during the writing process. Indeed, his closeness to the King was such that he was able to recollect the entire account of the King’s life during his twilight years, when he retired from his duties and was staying in a monastery. In the case of Einhard, he was a prominent member of the Royal court and hence was privy to the personal and official lives of the King. ![]()
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