A Companion to Chivalry

A comprehensive study of chivalry and chivalric culture in the Middle Ages, covering its ethical behavior, literary tastes, art, manners, social hierarchies, political events, and religious practices. It explores the gendered nature of chivalry, its propensity for violence, and its post-medieval decline and reinvention in the early modern and modern periods.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Chivalry, a complex and multifaceted concept, played a central role in the elite society of the Middle Ages. Defying a simple definition, it encompassed a wide range of aspects, shaping literary tastes, art, manners, social hierarchies, political events, and religious practices. Its influence permeated every corner of society, leaving an indelible mark. This comprehensive work aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible survey of the subject.

Chapters authored by esteemed experts in the field cover a diverse range of topics. They explore the tournament, arms and armor, the organization of chivalric societies in both peace and war, the literature associated with chivalry, and the landscape that shaped it. The contributors also delve into the gendered nature of chivalry, its propensity for violence, and its post-medieval decline and reinvention in the early modern and modern periods.

This book will be of immense value to students and scholars alike, offering a deep understanding of the complexities and significance of chivalry in medieval society.

Robert W. Jones, Visiting Scholar in History at Franklin and Marshall College, and Peter Coss, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at Cardiff University, are the contributors to this work.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837650071