"The History of the Lombards constitutes one of the most important literary sources for the early history of Europe, and the vision and energy of its author make it . . . the most complex of the histories of the Germanic peoples between the sixth and the ninth centuries."—from the Introduction

History of the Lombards, by Paul the Deacon (c. 720-c. 799), is among the most important and oldest accounts of the Germanic nation. The book preserves many ancient myths and popular traditions and draws from sources that are now lost. The history traces the changing fortunes of the Lombards, the last of the migratory Germanic peoples to enter the western part of the old Roman Empire, from their first appearance in the West in the sixth century to the middle of the eighth century. The popularity of Paul the Deacon's book has endured over the centuries and, although there have been numerous translations and editions, this remains the only one in English.

"This account of his own people by one of the most learned of medieval historians will be a pleasant surprise to the English reader who has had no opportunity to put this vivacious chronicle . . . on the shelf with Herodotus." - Independent