Chivalry and Violence in Medieval Europe
Richard W. Kaeuper
Medieval Europe was a rapidly developing society with a problem of violent disorder. Professor Kaeuper's original and authoritative study reveals that chivalry was not simply part of the solution. Chivalry praised heroic violence by knights, and fused such displays of prowess with honour,piety, high status, and attractiveness to women. Though the vast body of chivalric literature, here examined, praises chivalry as necessary to civilization, most texts also worry over knightly violence, criticize all ideals and practices of chivalry, and often propose reforms. The knights themselvesjoined the debate, absorbing some reforms, ignoring others, sometimes proposing their own. Complexity likewise characterized the interaction of chivalry with major governing institutions ("church" and "state") emerging at the same time: kings and clerics both needed and feared the force ofknighthood. This fascinating book lays bare the conflicts and paradoxes surrounding the concept of chivalry in medieval Europe.
Thể loại:
Năm:
1999
In lần thứ:
1
Nhà xuát bản:
Oxford University Press
Ngôn ngữ:
english
Trang:
351
ISBN 10:
0198207301
ISBN 13:
9780198207306
File:
MOBI , 926 KB
IPFS:
,
english, 1999