Charles Read (historian)

Charles Read (1840-1902) was a British historian and archivist. He was primarily known for his work on French history, particularly the Merovingian period.

Read was born in England and received his education in Paris. He devoted his career to the study of French medieval history, focusing on primary source research and the meticulous examination of archival documents. He worked extensively with the archives of the city of Paris and other French institutions.

His most significant work is considered to be his multi-volume Charles le Chauve (Charles the Bald), published in the late 19th century. This extensive study of the reign of Charles the Bald, a 9th-century King and Holy Roman Emperor, is characterized by its detailed analysis of charters, chronicles, and other contemporary sources. It provides a comprehensive portrait of Charles's political and social environment.

Read's work is characterized by its detailed and thorough approach to historical analysis, which placed emphasis on primary sources and meticulous research. He aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of his subjects within their historical context. He is considered an important contributor to the understanding of Merovingian and Carolingian France, although some of his interpretations have been subject to revision by later historians.