Einhard's 'The Life of Charlemagne: Vita Karoli Magni' is one of the most famous pieces of literature on the early Middle Ages. It is both an epic and personal account of the legendary warrior king who was known as the Father of Europe, providing fascinating insight into his political success, battlefield strategy, foreign and domestic policies, friends, enemies and personal habits. For scholars of military science it is an essential bridge text linking the masterworks of ancient strategy like 'The Art of War' and 'Commentarii de Bello Gallico' with the future writings of Machiavelli, Clausewitz, et al.