In his fifth volume of cultural histories of Central Europe from prehistoric times to the end of the Carolingian period, Schutz (modern languages, literatures, and cultures, Brock U., Canada) begins by tracing the history of the region from the realm of the Franks through the beginnings and consolidation of the empire, to its partitioning into the entities that persisted through the Middle Ages to the modern world. Then he looks at books, gems, and ivories; and palaces and basilicas. Among specific topics are Carolingian scribal culture, religious and secular literature, illuminated manuscripts, liturgical art, and wall painting. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)