This evocative book examines the historicalbrotherhood of knights, how
they were governedby their feudal lord, and the ideal of the
chivalriccode. Knights drew inspiration from portrayals ofknighthood in
the literature of chivalry - in heroicchansons de geste, poems of
courtly love and prose, and verse of romances that told of knights'
greatdeeds in war and love. Together, the chivalric codeand the art of
the time embodied a vision of howknights should and could behave.From
the knightly heroes of the Bible and theclassical worlds to the golden
age of medievalchivalry and the enduring tales of King Arthur, there is
also a discussion of how the knights ofhistory lived up to these ideals,
and themselvesbecame legendary figures. - A history of the medieval code
of chivalry, andhow it bound together the brotherhood of knightswho
swore to it - Analyses the rich legacy of romantic art andliterature
inspired by chivalry, including the tales ofCharlemagne, the enduring
stories of King Arthur, and the chansons de gestes of the crusades and
ofepic tournaments - Features the most revered and honoured knights
ofthe time, including King Edward I of England, SirJohn Chandos, The
Black Prince and William Wallace - Offers an intelligent and thoughtful
discussionon the importance of the code of chivalry, withinsights into
how the ideal matched up tothe reality of combat and politics - Lavishly
illustrated with over 200 beautifulillustrations showing knights on the
battlefield, at the tournament, and in love
