Remarkable People
We were inspired to look more closely at some of the key figures that appear in our Little History books by an interaction with a reader on the Little History facebook page. We really liked the idea of finding out what the series has to say about all sorts of ‘remarkable people’, both heroes and villains, and we’re putting together this resource for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for help with your homework (!), or trying to fill a gap in your knowledge, Little History books and their cast of characters have plenty to offer.
Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor
The first Holy Roman Emperor
1122 – 1190

Frederick I Barbarossa was a German king and Holy Roman Emperor who also held the titles of King of Italy and King of Burgundy. He was given the name Barbarossa, meaning ‘red beard’ in Italian, by citizens of the villages he attempted to conquer in the north of Italy. Throughout his reign, Frederick I refused to recognise papal authority over kings and emperors. He died while on the Third Crusade to the Holy Land.
Mentioned in
A Little History of the World
In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in an intense six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte für junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in twenty-five languages across the world.
More about A Little History of the World
A Little History of the World – Illustrated Edition
In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in an intense six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte für junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in twenty-five languages across the world.
More about A Little History of the World – Illustrated Edition