Books by Janet L. Nelson

The ideas and practices involved in early mediaeval royal family politics are the central theme of this collection of papers by Janet L. Nelson. She examines King Alfred of Wessex (871-99), Charles the Bald (840-77), and the political importance and gendered roles of royal women.

Alfred's life, work and influence studied through writings of his age.

Presents articles showing usefulness of gender as a category of historical analysis. This book includes papers that range more widely across early medieval time and geographical as well as social space, but most focus on the Carolingian period and on royalty and elites. It views workings of dynastic political power in social and political context.

Offers a re-appraisal of Charles the Bald's achievement in his own time, and also explains why Charles, in spite of himself, can be seen as the maker of France.