Chivalry and the Medieval Past

This book explores the ways in which the concept of chivalry has been used and appropriated after the Middle Ages, examining how it has been conceptualized and historicized to express contemporary ideals and power. It combines attention to documentary evidence with material culture to understand how the medieval past was renegotiated, redrawing current chronological boundaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Chivalry, a complex and multifaceted ethical and cultural code, has undergone a remarkable transformation throughout history, adapting to the changing times and hands of various individuals and groups. This book delves into the diverse interpretations and applications of chivalry across different periods, from the Middle Ages to the present. By examining the historical conceptualization and historicization of the Middle Ages, the book sheds light on the multiplicity of uses of the past.

Using chivalry as a lens, the authors critically assess how medieval chivalry became a shorthand for expressing contemporary ideals and power. They explore how history could be appropriated and manipulated to serve specific purposes. The chapters combine attention to documentary evidence with insights from material culture, particularly through the analysis of the built environment and landscape.

The contributors to this book come from diverse geographic regions and periods, contributing to a re-evaluation of chronological boundaries and a broader understanding of medievalism. The book explores medievalism from the late Middle Ages to the present, challenging traditional narratives and offering fresh perspectives.

Katie Stevenson, Senior Lecturer in Late Mediaeval History and Director of the Institute of Scottish Historical Research at the University of St Andrews, and Barbara Gribling, Junior Research Fellow in the Department of History at Durham University, are the editors of this insightful book. Their contributions, along with those of other experts, provide a comprehensive exploration of the enduring legacy of chivalry.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276424