KNIGHTS: Chivalry and Violence

Feudalism, war and life in medieval times condensed into one short and accessible book. Originally warriors mounted on horseback, knights became associated with the concept of chivalry as popularised in medieval European literature. They were expected to fight bravely and honourably and be loyal to their lord until death if necessary. Later chivalry came to encompass activities such as tournaments and hunting and virtues including justice, charity and faith. The Crusades were instrumental in the development of the code of chivalry, and some crusading orders of knighthoods such as the Knights Templar have become legend. By the 15th century advances in warfare had rendered knights obsolete, but the 'knight' had survived as an honorary title granted for services to a monarch or country and remains an icon of popular culture. This short history covers the extensive training, specific arms and armour, tournaments and the important concept of chivalry in chapters entitled 1066 and All That, Kingdom of Heaven, Longshanks, Braveheart, St Crispin's Day, Game of Thrones and Ivanhoe. A Casemate illustrated paperback, 160pp.