A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry

by Geoffroi De Charny, Richard W. Kaeuper (Introduction), Elspeth Kennedy (Translator)

On the great influence of a valiant "The companions, who see that good warriors are honored by the great lords for their prowess, become more determined to attain this level of prowess."

On the lady who sees her knight "All of this makes the noble lady rejoice greatly within herself at the fact that she has set her mind and heart on loving and helping to make such a good knight or good man-at-arms."

On the worthiest "The best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come."

Enter the real world of knights and their code of ethics and behavior. Read how an aspiring knight of the fourteenth century would conduct himself and learn what he would have needed to know when traveling, fighting, appearing in court, and engaging fellow knights.

Composed at the height of the Hundred Years War by Geoffroi de Charny, one of the most respected knights of his age, A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry was designed as a guide for members of the Company of the Star, an order created by Jean II of France in 1352 to rival the English Order of the Garter.

This is the most authentic and complete manual on the day-to-day life of the knight that has survived the centuries, and this edition contains a specially commissioned introduction from historian Richard W. Kaeuper that gives the history of both the book and its author, who, among his other achievements, was the original owner of the Shroud of Turin.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Medieval, Medieval History, Chivalry, Classics

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

Geoffroi de Charny (c. 1300/1306 – 19 September 1356), first name sometimes spelled Geoffroy, was a French knight and author of at least three works on chivalry. He was born around 1300. His father, Jean de Charny was the Lord of Lirey in Burgundy and his mother was Margaret de Joinville (d. 1306), a daughter of Jean de Joinville, biographer of King Louis IX the Saint. Geoffroi was a knight in the service of King Jean II of France and a founding member of the Order of the Star, an order of chivalry founded on 6 November 1351 by Jean II of France similar to the Order of the Garter (1347) by Edward III of England. He was also the carrier of the Oriflamme, the standard of the crown of France, an immensely privileged, not to mention dangerous, honour, as it made the holder a key target of enemy forces on the battlefield. Geoffroi de Charny was perhaps Europe's most admired knight during his lifetime, with a reputation for his skill at arms and his honour. It was said that in his time he was known as a "true and perfect Knight". He was killed at the Battle of Poitiers on September 19, 1356, as attested by Jean Froissart in his Chronicles.

Geoffroi de Charny and his wife Jeanne de Vergy are the first reliably recorded owners of the Turin Holy Shroud.

Geoffroi de Charny's most famous work is his 'Book of Chivalry', written around 1350, which is, along with the works of Ramon Llull and Chretien de Troyes one of the best sources to understand how knights themselves described and prioritised chivalric values in the 14th century. Geoffroi discusses many subjects but above all he values skill at arms over all other knightly virtues and war over all other forms of contest at arms.
He was also the author of 'Demands pour la joute, les tournois, et la guerre', in English, 'Questions for the joust, tournaments and war', a book on knightly pursuits. Only the questions survive; however, the way that the questions are phrased, as well as Geoffroi's actions in his lifetime, allow scholars to reach further conclusions about Geoffroi's conception of chivalry and war.

Reviews

[Jessica O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And they are dressed in such an indecent way that that which everyone ought to be most ashamed to show is what they show all the time to those who want to look, for they cannot refrain from showing their backsides to whoever wants to see them."

This is not a Big 5 published handbook for modern day lifestyle tosh. This is a direct view into the mind of a 14th century knight. A real, fucking knight. Proper, hardcore, walking or riding about with a sword and dagger in real bloody shining armour knight. And he's talking about big, muscly, burly men men showing their arses about. It cannot get much better.

Ahem.

Now that's out of my system, this small and entirely worthwhile read is an absolute must if you are interested in any tiny way about how the knightly class genuinely aspired to be. Now, it's important to remember that de Charny lived in an era quite different to our own, and he was chosen to produce this work because he (presumably) lived up to practically every minute standard he lays in this work. He's the epitome of ideal, and so actually how most knights behaved on a daily basis was probably quite different, and how much they revered themselves was probably far less subtle. However, de Charny seems to be very on board with how unknightly many of the men around him acted, because he calls out all their wanton behaviour, just as much as how incredibly noble many others were, because he highlights all the good stuff. He goes into great detail describing exactly what you should be doing to achieve glory through the chivalric code, and the honour of God's approval.

In all honesty, this guy sounds bloody awesome. If there was a time travel fiction adventure where Geoffroi de Charny was brought into the 21st century he'd probably piss every feminist in the world off for being so damn gentlemanly, but if my time machine took me back to the 1300s, if it wasn't the alternate universe where I got to be a knight myself, which is the ideal scenario, he'd be the shoot/shag/marry option (well at least in the alternate universe where I wasn't already wedded to The Black Prince (before his dysentery), or John of Gaunt (before his possible venereal disease), or Roger Mortimer (before his mental breakdown)). In the gruesome and gruelling Middle Ages you'd be wallowing in goods and glory with this guy's gold about your middle finger. I'd happily live in his castle and shoot off to all my friends about how amazing my knightly husband was. Then wallow more in our collective awesome when he gets stabbed to death at the Battle of Poitiers (it's GLORY alright?!). I'd be forever Lady de Charny and live out my life as a proper powerful widow, using all his glory to remind the world just how fucking ace my dead husband was, and as such, myself. If I didn't die cruelly in childbirth first. But, you know, nuance.

See, if a book written 700 years ago can't inspire that kind of dreaming, then there is no hope in the world, is there?

As an aside, there's actually a really nice little bio before the text proper. I could see poor Sir Geoffroi's face vividly in the story when he possibly used guerilla (ignoble) tactics to attack Edward III's troops in France one day; subsequently, Edward III made a complete mockery of him in public (gasp!) by calling him out of his underhand tactics. Aw, poor Geoffroi. :(

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I feel like I've wasted the last 20 years of my life. This is how I'm going to live the rest of my life.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medieval knight discussing knighthood.

Bit different in structure than a modern treatment would be. Discusses what men-at-arms do in various ways, and how love ought to be secret (though he speaks of men who say they would not consent to be Queen Guinevere's love it were not known) and what sorts of virtues are and how they are important.

[Luke Prizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an enjoyable read along the lines of the fantasy genre, stay clear. This is not an especially riveting read, however it is of great value and historical interest if one desires to learn more about what knights actually were like. The author was a highly regarded French knight during the 100 Years War and died fighting at Poiters. He wrote this book as a manual for a new order of French chivalry founded to rival England's Order of the Garter.

The introductory materials are worth an in-depth skim for the biographical and historical background they provide.

[Steven Muhlberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffroi de Charny was a prominent French knight during the first phase of the 100 Years War. He earned his prominence the hard way -- he was neither rich nor the heir to his father's fief. He was an active warrior and he earned respect by his accomplishments in battle and his advice to his superiors, including the French king Jean II.
Charny was not an average knight (he wrote books!) but his opinions probably get us closer to what "chivalry" meant in the middle of the 14th century than just about any other source.
Two points: Some scholars think that this book (known as the Book of Chivalry of Geoffroi de Charny) was not written by the person I have just been describing, but by his nephew, also called Geoffroi de Charny. For most readers this will make no difference whatever.
Also, you should know that this translation originally appeared in a more scholarlry edition, which is still available. It is more expensive -- though a lot cheaper than many comparable books. The additional material is first rate, but only of interest to readers doing a thorough scholarly investigation.
There are more Charny books!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the most influential and unique self help books i have ever read and its not even trying to be one.

Read for my course on chivalry this book has many traits that can be useful in daily life today.

This book is also an interesting look at the psychological mindset of the Knightly class during the 100 years war.

some of my favorite quotes below:

" They like to hear and listen to men of prowess talk of military deeds and to see men at arms with their weapons and armor and enjoy looking at fine mounts and chargers; and as they increase in years. So they increase in prowess and in skill in the art of arms in peace and in war; and as they reach adulthood the desire in their hearts grows even greater to ride horses and to bear arms"

" The first exercise in the use of arms, which they can encounter is jousting, and they are eager to do it. And when God by his grace grants them frequent success in jousting they enjoy it, and their desire to bear arms increases."

Then, after josting, they learn about the practice of arms and tournaments and become apparent to them and recognize the tournaments bring greater honor than jousting for those who perform well their.


" In no way, can anything dishonorable be perceived?Nor said concerning them for there will be much greater talk and notary about their shortcomings than there would be concerning someone without such a great reputation"

Love loyally live joyfully.Act, honorably have love of arms through all this achieve honor and renown.

Speak of the achievements of others but not of your own and do not be envious of others.

For a quarrel with ones equal is dangerous, a quarrel with someone of higher rank is madness, and a quarrel with someone lower in rank is a vile thing

Do not put too much faith in people who have risen rapidly above others by good fortune, not merit, for this will not last, they can fall as quickly as they rise

And make sure that you do not praise your own conduct nor criticize too much that of others

Speak of the achievements of others but not of your own, and do not be envious of others

Fortune tests your friends, for when it abandons you it leaves you those who are your friends and takes away those who are not

[Colm Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

Heavy going, something I dipped in and out of but if you have an interest in medieval chivalry and knights it is definitely worth reading. Parts do make you think about how the past was shaped, why, and how that carried on and evolved over time.

I was expecting a translation of Charny's Book of Chivalry. The historical introduction is almost half the book. In fact it is almost like two books. The historical introduction tells you about Charny, his life and the time period in which he wrote. Then the actual translation begins. Both interesting in their own ways.

[Stefany Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book and as long as you keep in mind that it was written in the 14th century you can get good advice from it. It's very black and white which is normal for the period. It's strange to read a book where the author directly tells you that some people are more worthy than others. Really the opposite of what we consider people nowadays, as equals.

The biggest takeaway for me was that being intelligent and not being a person of worth can make you evil and that if you can improve in whatever you are doing you must improve.

[Joe Colistro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I found the introduction more interesting than the actual book, but if you are into philosophy and/or medieval stuff this is worth a read. As the intro points out, the value placed on an actual account of chivalric virtues from someone who lived them cannot be understated, especially given the current cultural context and appropriation of medieval themes by the far-right.

[Ailed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is possibly the best introduction to chivalry one could ever have. The author was an exemplary knight so he obviously knew his stuff. I had a lot of fun reading it, probably because I find the subject very interesting. Geoffroi's fortitude and devotion become apparent almost immediately and I couldn't help but admire him.

[Vhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best texts on honor and getting your act together. Some greatt lessons that might actually be applied better in our modern world. Definitely something every young man should read atleast once in his 20s. This is a great partner to The Book Of Five Rings.

[Mady Hallmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read for class honestly not what I thought it would be and I enjoyed it a lot. I normally don't read non fiction but this book even though this book was written so long ago this book is filled with life lessons we still should take away today.

[Dwayne Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the casual reader--a bit repetitive and dry in places.

[Lee Craven]

A must read for all men, who wish to be men.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth it

[Jlnpeacock Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is excellent information, especially in the Historical Introduction. The difficulty lies in the style of writing. It can be very tedious at times.

[Oliver Eike · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read if you want an insight into a mindset of the time.

[Ben Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dry but one of the most informative theoretical texts on chivalry from the Middle Ages

[Rachael Ball]

Rereading for class today.

[David Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boy De Charny at it again. This one hits home for my boys on the battle field

[suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love you geoffroi

[Buck Wilde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bucktube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfkhp...

It was all right, sort of like Hagakure.

[Roz King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for research. I’m quite curious to know what a knight would write about chivalry. I am inspired now.

[Eric W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this when I was 18. An enjoyable treatise on how a man should live his life. And the introduction is almost more interesting than the work itself.

[Cascata Nerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry by Geoffroi de Charny

Initial impressions were that the book was very dense reading and overly religious. However, that must be put into context with the writer of the book and the time period. Because although the writer is actually one of the most famous for writing about chivalry from a knight's point of view he was not educated and trained in rhetoric the way a monk or a priest would be. As for the over bearing message of Christianity throughout the text it, it was written in 13th century France, of course it's going to be filled with overt religious tones - everyone was then.

The book that I'm reading is a modern translation of the original text. It was translated by Elspeth Kennedy and I think she did a wonderful job of keeping it readable when it very easily could have been denser. Not only did she keep it generally readable, but as the introduction by Richard W. Kaeuper says it "is better understood if read out loud and dramatically, ideally with a flagon of wine at the ready" (15). Kennedy maintained this read aloud air quite well. However, even if the original lacked punctuation there are sections of this which could have done with a little more of it.

The entire book comes in at under 150 pages. However, the heart of the text, The Book of Chivalry, takes up only 60 pages. The first section is a historical introduction and the end has all the usual notes and further reading suggestions.

Though the book is a slog to get through I think it is an excellent primary source for any researcher. After all, this is a book that one can purchase at the store and keep in the house without worrying about destroying a priceless object. Most people will never see originals, so this is a good substitute.

The book begins with a biography of Charny ad Kaeuper pointed out a few things that make later passages in the book quite humorous. However, he does not hesitate to give a good grounding in the history of chivalry.

On the other hand, Charny (translated by Kennedy*) Charny wanders about his topic, and while it is obvious that he starts with some sort of order he occasionally devolves into a mess before starting over again. Alternately he will wander from topic to topic and then return to the topic that he began with. However, who ever helped to put the book together did a good job of titling the sections so that it is easy to read.

I cannot recommend this book to any one who prefers light fluffy reading. However, if you are an author of fantasy or historical fiction then this is a good research book for you. I could see shades of Tamora Pierce as well as several other writers in it.

If you do choose to read this book I definitely recommend reading it aloud over a period of several days.

*though it isn't her fault at all.

[Jesse Shelton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sure that this book is extremely valuable for researchers and people interested in writing historical fiction. That said, that does not make it a good read or a good book. The dryness of the text was not an issue for me - I tend to love dry reading - but that there seemed to be almost no thought put into the text from Geoffroi de Charny. It is horribly organized and he terribly organizes his arguments, if there even are arguments. I've seen people say that this is an extremely important text for seeing what chivalry meant to knights themselves, but it contains so little actual information on what chivalry is or how a knight should behave aside from being a skilled warrior, not being soft, and having the appropriate level of piety, that I'm not sure how useful it is.

I was expecting something either more theoretical (i.e. moral philosophy) or full of exempla, but got something that endlessly drones on (even though it is only about sixty pages) about how a good man-at-arms is a man who is upstanding, honorable, full of prowess, and pious. I pretty much could have reached that conclusion by guessing.

That said, the introduction was actually rather entertaining and well-written. The editing of the text itself is lacklustre - the section headings are useful, but each section (including ones that are six or eight pages long) are presented as a solid block of text with no paragraph or line breaks and while I'm aware that this would betray the integrity of de Chary's text, it would have massively helped its readability.

I would not recommend this book to anyone except someone doing serious research on manuals of chivalry, but I'm sure someone at that stage would have already read this.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read, that shows the thinking of the period. One can as the author suggests imagine Geoffroi pacing his room dictating the word to a scribe. The ideal of the most worthy knight and person and his opinions on those who do wrong and those you are not as worthy come across well. A highly recommended read. And as Geoffroi would say "he who does best is most worthy".

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

De Charny? Review de Charny? This is the must have book,, if you have even the most passing interest in Chivalry. Well, and Maurice Keen's, I suppose.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical insight into Chivalry as understood by a true knight of his time.

[Fred Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information on the attributes necessary for those who protect others.