Publisher Description

Mounted on a powerful warhorse, protected by a shield bearing a heraldic coat of arms, and armed with formidable weaponry, the physical appearance of a medieval knight was an imposing sight. As a rigorously trained mounted warrior, and when joined by his peers in a might cavalry charge, a knight was able to plough his way through entire ranks of foot soldiers in a pitched battle. A knight's power and influence stretched far beyond the battlefield, however, with his noble birth, oaths of allegiance, and fearsome reputation, he played an integral role in the medieval feudal system. This book travels back in time to the intriguing middle ages, one of the most violent and turbulent periods in English history, to explore the world of a medieval knight. Delving into the origins of knighthood, the book reveals the long and arduous training and education that noble born sons under-went. It describes the acts of chivalry to achieve knighthood and the strength of character shown to protect the vulnerable, alongside the obligations and rewards expected and received. The world of the castle is also examined, unearthing the life of a knight at home, his duties to administer the King's law and maintain peace, and how he spent his leisure time pursuing the noble arts of courtly love-making, hawking, jousting, hunting and music. With an accessible text, beautiful fine art images, and an intelligent examination of how the role of the knight declined, this captivating book enlivens the world of the medieval chivalry, portraying in vivid detail the castles, battles, tournaments, honours and triumphs of these legendary heroes.

Author Biography

Charles Phillips is an established writer of popular history, a graduate of Oxford University and holds an MA from the University of Westminster, London. He is the author of The Complete Illustrated Guide to Kings and Queens of Britain and Ireland, and The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces and Stately Houses of Britain and Ireland (both published by Lorenz Books). Dr Craig Taylor is a Lecturer in Medieval History, and works on political thought and public discourse in late medieval France and England, chivalry and the Hundred Years War.

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