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Knight: Noble Warrior of England 1200–1600
The traditional 'knight in shining armor' has become a staple figure in popular culture; the images of bloody battlefields, bustling feasting halls and courtly tournaments have been creatively interpreted many times in film and fiction. But what was the knight truly like? The world of the English medieval knight was complex and ever-changing. From the household of King John to the defenders of Elizabeth I, there was a great alteration in the social standing of knights, their equipment and appearance, and their involvement in politics and warfare.
In Knight, author Christopher Gravett, and expert on medieval history, describes how the knights evolved over four centuries of English and European history, the wars they fought, their lives both in peacetime and on campaign, the weapons they fought with, the armor and clothing they wore and their fascinating code and mythology of chivalry. The text is richly illustrated with images ranging from manuscript illustrations to modern artwork reconstructions, and many photographs of historic artifacts and sites.
This book contains material previously published in Warrior 48: English Medieval Knight 1200-1300, Warrior 58: English Medieval Knight 1300-1400, Warrior 35: English Medieval Knight 1400-1500 and Warrior 104: Tudor Knight. It also includes a new introduction and new linking text.
In Knight, author Christopher Gravett, and expert on medieval history, describes how the knights evolved over four centuries of English and European history, the wars they fought, their lives both in peacetime and on campaign, the weapons they fought with, the armor and clothing they wore and their fascinating code and mythology of chivalry. The text is richly illustrated with images ranging from manuscript illustrations to modern artwork reconstructions, and many photographs of historic artifacts and sites.
This book contains material previously published in Warrior 48: English Medieval Knight 1200-1300, Warrior 58: English Medieval Knight 1300-1400, Warrior 35: English Medieval Knight 1400-1500 and Warrior 104: Tudor Knight. It also includes a new introduction and new linking text.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2008
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Gravett
66 books7 followersChris Gravett is a former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries, Tower of London, and a recognized authority on the arms, armour, and warfare of the medieval world. He has worked as an advisor for numerous TV and film productions, and has written many books. He currently works as a curator at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 1, 2019
Knight covers the concept of Knights in England from 1200-1600.
Written by the curator of the Royal Armouries of the Tower of London, it is a superbly illustrated look at the development of the Knight throughout the period of 1200-1600. Broken into 4 sections: English Medieval Knights 1200-1300, English Medieval Knights 1300-1400, English Medieval Knights 1400-1500 and ending with Tudor Knights.
A detailed look at the training, armor, weapons and concepts (like chivalry) of the Knight class. I enjoyed the detailed illustrations about the various armor and weapons, it is instrumental in giving an "image" (a historically accurate one) in my mind of what a knight ought to look like, depending on the time.
A book like this, the fascinating information aside, truly shines when I can look up a beautiful illustration of a Knight and see the changes in his equipment and weapons, even over the space of 20 years, to realize how the improvements made a difference.
If you are interested in Knights and love illustrations, this is a must have book for you. It will proudly join my library as an essential reference guide to Knights from the 1200-1600's. Any history fan will enjoy this book.
Written by the curator of the Royal Armouries of the Tower of London, it is a superbly illustrated look at the development of the Knight throughout the period of 1200-1600. Broken into 4 sections: English Medieval Knights 1200-1300, English Medieval Knights 1300-1400, English Medieval Knights 1400-1500 and ending with Tudor Knights.
A detailed look at the training, armor, weapons and concepts (like chivalry) of the Knight class. I enjoyed the detailed illustrations about the various armor and weapons, it is instrumental in giving an "image" (a historically accurate one) in my mind of what a knight ought to look like, depending on the time.
A book like this, the fascinating information aside, truly shines when I can look up a beautiful illustration of a Knight and see the changes in his equipment and weapons, even over the space of 20 years, to realize how the improvements made a difference.
If you are interested in Knights and love illustrations, this is a must have book for you. It will proudly join my library as an essential reference guide to Knights from the 1200-1600's. Any history fan will enjoy this book.
August 21, 2022
Excellent info, reads like a drooning college history profesor.
May 4, 2012
Great pictures, and a nice account on the chronological progress of the knightly class and equipment in England. Excellent pictures. Not very good for casual readers, since the writer tends to go into detail, but perfect for someone looking for a mix both slightly popular (because of the nice pictures) and historically accurate. The pictures are magnificent!
December 1, 2008
a very good referance material when inquiring on the different types and forms of knights within england. It goes into detail year through year on the differences if armour and weaponary, as well as their given lifestyles. 5 stars
March 25, 2010
A little repetitive when read start to finish. If you are looking for detailed information on armor, this is your book. Numerous photos, reproductions, etc.
July 11, 2011
A high level factual account of knights through the centuries and their evolution in armour, fighting styles, living conditions, etc. Not a quick read and no 'story', just the facts.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews