'Demonstrating that the most foundational post-Roman dynasty also had the best stories to be retold, Yaniv Fox's sensitive reading of well and less known narratives explains the Merovingians' continuous appeal and relevance for later writers, thereby questioning commonly-held assumptions on this period and the inspiration to look at it with new eyes.' Stefan Esders, Freie Universität Berlin 'The Merovingian period was a formative stage in the history and historiography of Western Europe, and as such it served as a reference point for many a generation to come. In his thought-provoking and lucid book, Yaniv Fox presents a dazzling panorama of insights into the ways the Merovingians and their history were used and abused by medieval and early modern chroniclers, propagandists, and Humanists.' Yitzhak Hen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem 'This original and captivating study sheds light on the manifold ways in which historical writing in the Middle Ages engaged with the earliest history of what became the kingdom of France. The intelligent structure of the book ensures a fascinating and entertaining read.' Rob Meens, Utrecht University ' full of interesting suggestions and well-presented arguments, backed by the author's wide-ranging expertise and an impressive bibliography.' Roger Collins, Francia-Recensio 'This is a fascinating contribution to the burgeoning scholarly study of the historiography of early medieval Europe generally and to the Frankish Kingdom specifically Recommended.' G. I. Halfond, CHOICE