These essays evaluate the life, works and world of Gregory of Tours, the 6th-century bishop, best known as writer of the History of the Franks . Though the contributors take full account of his political dimension, they also see Gregory in his cultural context. Moreover far from only seeing Gregory as representative of his age, there are attempts to present him as exceptional. The contributors also offer an assessment of Merovingian culture, history and religion as well. Themes covered include the urban history of Tours and the Merovingian world, ideas, politics and international contacts in the Merovingian world, the Merovingian church, Gregory’s hagiographical writings, the Histories , and the manuscript tradition.