Illustrated History of Knights & the Golden Age of Chivalry

In this book, the history of the medieval knight and the chivalric code is explored, with over 450 stunning images of the castles, quests, battles, tournaments, courts and triumphs. It is a magnificent account of medieval knights, their origins, status, training, military exploits and romantic adventures. It covers every aspect of the role of knights in feudal Europe: their nobility, social status, rigorous training, horsemanship, military exploits, responsibilities and privileges. It includes the most revered knights such as Charlemagne, Richard the Lionheart, Edward the Black Prince and William Wallace, as well as the legendary knights of King Arthur. In battle, the medieval knight was the equivalent of the modern tank. A knight could plough his way through ranks of foot-soldiers, and on massive warhorses in tight formation, a cavalry charge was devastating. This book describes how the order of the knight began, and the training that noble-born sons underwent to achieve knighthood. There are features on King Arthur, medieval poetry and courtly romances, stories of the crusaders, and folktales of rogue and errant knights. The world of the medieval knight is brought to life with over 450 images that illustrate the castles, quests, battles, loves, tournaments and triumphs of these legendary heroes.