Introduction / Marcus Bull
Constructing identities of medieval France / Bernd Schneidmiiller
Constructing a medieval nation
The formation and development of the Carolingian kingdoms
Origins in both continuities and crises
Transformations of names: Franci and Francia
The strength of Carolingian tradition, the unity of the realm, and the relations between empire and kingdom
Dynastic unity and royal sanctity
The chosen people, the sweet land, the Most Christian Kings, and the rediscovery of Carolingian roots
Conclusion: constructing identities of medieval France
Political culture / Geoffrey Koziol
The mimetic power of kingship
The material foundations of power
Rural economy and society / Constance B. Bouchard
Nobles and peasants in partnership
The south / Linda Paterson
Lay culture: courtliness and courtly love
Religious life and the rise of Catharism
The French Church or the Church in France?
The French Church and papal reform
The French overseas / Jonathan Phillips
The conquest of southern Italy and Sicily
The French in the Holy Land
The Norman Conquest of England
The French in Byzantium and Spain
Conclusion / Marcus Bull.
