The Medieval Tournament as Spectacle: Tourneys, Jousts and Pas d'Armes, 1100-1600

The tournament evolved from a mass battle to a chivalric military contest with entertainment and pageantry, particularly at the courts of France, Burgundy, England, and the German principalities. This volume showcases the latest research on the late medieval tournament, demonstrating its integration into wider festivities, ceremonies, and diplomatic negotiations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 263 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The tournament, a captivating spectacle of the late medieval era, experienced a remarkable transformation from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. Alongside the traditional tourney, a grand battle between opposing armies of knights, emerged new forms of chivalric military contests. These contests combined entertainment with practical training for warfare, adding an element of excitement to the proceedings. The joust, a hallmark of the tournament, showcased individual combat with increasingly elaborate rules and variations in form and accompanying pageantry. The passage of arms, on the other hand, transformed tournaments into theatrical and allegorical events, imbuing them with a deeper meaning and symbolism.

This comprehensive volume, published in association with the Royal Armouries, presents the latest research on the late medieval tournament. It explores how these events, particularly in the courts of France, Burgundy, England, and the German principalities, became increasingly integrated into wider festivities, ceremonies, and diplomatic negotiations. The book offers valuable insights into the social and cultural significance of the tournament, shedding light on the role it played in shaping medieval society and warfare.

For anyone with an interest in chivalric culture and medieval warfare, this volume is a must-read. It provides a wealth of information and analysis, offering a deeper understanding of this fascinating period of history. Whether you are a historian, medieval enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, this book will captivate your imagination and inspire your further exploration of the world of the late medieval tournament.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837651085