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This volume contains articles covering the centuries between the establishment of Carolingian power in Western Europe and the expansion of the Anglo Norman and Angevin 'Empire' within the French kingdom of the Capetians. The common underlying themes of these papers are the exercise of political power, and the social position and resources of those who wielded power. Aquitaine provides the focus for papers on regional government, individual rulers and members of the aristocracy - men and some women. The most important of the women considered is Eleanor of Aquitaine. The political and economic problems which confronted Carolingian kings of this region are discussed; and the later contribution of the secular ruler (duke, prince, and count) to the 'peace movement' and peace in Aquitaine is reviewed. Two articles of wide scope discuss the character of the French aristocracy in the earlier middle ages, and consider connections between the acquisition of power and family inheritance patterns. The text of a Latin Conventum of the 11th century is printed with a new translation into English, while an especially written paper offers revised interpretations of this text, which has recently attracted much attention from historians.