Pack your bags for a trip that will last one thousand years! Destination: Middle Ages takes you on a guided tour of Europe and the Middle East from the 5th to the 15th centuries. If you think these were the Dark Ages, think again! This was an age of great cultural advances and artistic achievements, of inspiring rulers and courageous warriors, and of bustling towns alive with merchants and entertainers. Meet the knights of the Age of Chivalry. From the battlefields and life on campaign to jousting tournaments and codes of honor, a knight was expected to display bravery and good character. Get the real stories behind Robin Hood, King Arthur and his Round Table, Richard "the Lionheart," Saladin, and the queen of "courtly love" Eleanor of Aquitaine. Book jacket.
On the great influence of a valiant lord: "The companions, who see that good warriors are honored by the great lords for their prowess, become more determined to attain this level of prowess." On the lady who sees her knight honored: "All of this makes the noble lady rejoice greatly within herself at the fact that she has set her mind and heart on loving and helping to make such a good knight or good man-at-arms." On the worthiest amusements: "The best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come." Enter the real world of knights and their code of ethics and behavior. Read how an aspiring knight of the fourteenth century would conduct himself and learn what he would have needed to know when traveling, fighting, appearing in court, and engaging fellow knights. Composed at the height of the Hundred Years War by Geoffroi de Charny, one of the most respected knights of his age, A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry was designed as a guide for members of the Company of the Star, an order created by Jean II of France in 1352 to rival the English Order of the Garter. This is the most authentic and complete manual on the day-to-day life of the knight that has survived the centuries, and this edition contains a specially commissioned introduction from historian Richard W. Kaeuper that gives the history of both the book and its author, who, among his other achievements, was the original owner of the Shroud of Turin.
Bringing chivalry back into our modern-day world, this book shows us how to inspire today's generation of young boys to pursue honor, courage, and compassion. In an age when respect and honor seem like distant and antiquated relics, how can we equip boys to pursue valor and courageously put the needs of others before their own? This book helps parents to inspire their boys by captivating their imagination and honoring their love for adventure. Heather Haupt explores how knights historically lived out various aspects of the knights' Code of Chivalry, as depicted in the French epic Song of Roland, and how boys can embody these same ideals now. When we issue the challenge and give boys the reasons why it is worth pursuing, we step forward on an incredible journey towards raising the kind of boys who, just like the knights of old, make an impact in their world now and for the rest of their lives.
"In graphic novel format, tells several tales of prominent medieval knights and describes the training, weapons, armor, and battle tactics used by them"--
The Middle Ages, with its crude reality and mystery, often enveloped in an air of religious and occasionally even mythical or fantastic mysticism, has always been one of the preferred themes of historians and history lovers in general. Since the end of the Roman Empire, with its manipulative tactics in which the infantry was the deciding factor in battles, the cavalry became the main player on the battlefields all over Europe, replacing other forms of weaponry and becoming important though not yet decisive factors in battle. It could be said that an army with a good cavalry had the advantage in battle. With the appearance of feudalism, in many cases, the knights became real warlords, with the corresponding legal and military obligations towards the lords they served, carrying out acts of war that would soon open up the doors of history to them, through the bards who narrated their achievements, lifting them up to the status of legendary figures, full of elements fruit of the imagination of narrators of the era, some of which have survived to our times. But these men's reality was far removed from this fantasy and numerous studies have been published on the topic revealing how their way of life and social condition determined their behavior during war and peace, their weaponry, status, etc. This book takes an extensive look at these and many other topics, distinguishing well between the scenes in which the most important battles of the Middle Ages took place and their players, because although they are enveloped in the same epoch, the reality was very different for, say a Teutonic knight than for a Spanish knight and so on. Furthermore, the book deals with all themes related to these historical characters, such as tournaments, equipment and saddle trappings, weaponry, different types of combat, siege machines and a long list of other items, until the first firearms appeared marking the end of the era.
A magnificent and detailed account of medieval knights, their origins, training, military exploits and adventures, and an analysis of their role in feudal Europe.
This is the perfect reference book for all students of medieval history: the world of the knights is brought to life and placed in context with an expert, deeply-researched and accessible text and over 500 fine art images that richly illustrate the castles, quests, battles, literature, loves, tournaments, courts, honours and triumphs of these mounted nobleman warriors.
Step into a world where valor, chivalry, and honor collide in "Knight Making." This comprehensive journey delves into the essence of knighthood, a timeless legacy that transcends eras. With each chapter, unlock the secrets of history, unearthing the essence and evolution of these revered figures. From the origins and early history of medieval knights to their evolution through the ages, this book unravels the very fabric of what it means to embody chivalry. Dive deep into the characteristics that defined a knight-unyielding in their code of chivalry, adorned in symbolic heraldry, and equipped with unparalleled skills and weaponry. Discover the riveting tales of knights in battle-master tacticians shaping the course of history through epic campaigns and siege warfare. Yet, knighthood was not just about combat; it was a way of life-a courtly existence steeped in etiquette, nobility, and intricate relationships. "Knight Making" doesn't merely dwell on the past; it examines the enduring influence of knights in diverse cultures and their immortalization in literature, legend, and folklore. But why does this book matter today? Witness the decline of knights amidst changing warfare, societal shifts, and economic changes. Explore their modern interpretation, their place in popular culture, and their continued relevance in contemporary society. This isn't just a book-it's a portal to an era where knights reigned supreme, leaving an indelible mark on history. Embrace the captivating narrative, understand their legacy, and witness the echoes of chivalry in our present age. Unveil the mystique, unravel the valor, and join the quest to understand the essence of knighthood in "Knight Making." Don't just read history-immerse yourself in its pages, and let the spirit of the knights captivate you. Join this journey through time, understand the essence of knighthood, and embrace the enduring legacy that echoes through the ages. "Knight Making" isn't just a book; it's an invitation to explore, learn, and embody the virtues of these timeless icons. Make this book your gateway to the valorous past and the ever-inspiring legacy of knights. Pick up your sword, metaphorically speaking, and embark on this quest through the ages with "Knight Making" in hand. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of chivalry and valor? DIVE IN NOW!
