Struggle for Empire is enjoyable to read. Goldberg's approach is clear and the style of his prose will capture the attentions of even a nonspecialist audience. His knowledge of the sources and his willingness to incorporate a broad range of methodologies into his study provide a strong framework for the book.
H-German
H-Net Reviews
A highly readable and well-illustrated account of an important stage of the early Middle Ages.
American Historical Review
Carolingian rulers did not know that by the year 888 death and the failure to produce legitimate heirs would so reduce their bloodlines that the Frankish nobles would turn elsewhere to enhance and authorize their own power. Thus they never gave up the dream of reconstituting Charlemagne's empire. Eric Goldberg's detailed and nuanced account of the life and reign of Louis the German nicely illustrates that fact, conveying both the success and the tragedy of the dynasty. This is a beautifully designed book, both in concept and in execution. The author uses a wide variety of sources—charters as well as chronicles, along with seals and clothing, books and paintings, and architectural and archaeological remains—to great effect.
Speculum
I predict the book will be a classic.
Medieval Review
Louis the German is known mainly in the context of the Treaty of Verdun and the 'birth' of Germany. Eric Goldberg has written a valuable and stimulating book that scrapes away those anachronisms and puts Louis back into his proper context. Cornell has done a superb job producing this book, which has attractive illustrations.
German Studies Review
This is a wonderful book by a gifted historian.
International History Review