Order of the Argent Bear

These were the hardest books to comment on - they are each widely regarded as the most important and valuable books on their respective topics and anything I add (besides the repeated the book comment) is inadequate.

Chivalry; Maurice Keen (1984)

394.7 Keen. at: L/MD

This is the book on Chivalry - how the concept developed, what people thought and said about it, how they acted based on their beliefs. The difference between a study of Chivalry and of Knighthood can seem subtle at first, but becomes very real the more you learn. Well written and readable.

The Knight and Chivalry; Richard Barber (1974)

940.17 Barber at: CE/MD

The book on Knighthood and the linked concept of chivalry - from its development, to its Romances, to its Pas d'Armes, to its decline. This book, like Keen's, covers its extensive topics in detail, and asks for some effort from the reader. But that said, it is well written and never becomes dry or pedantic. Each section stands well on its own too, for those looking to read a bit more casually.

There is a second edition of this book, dated 1995, which was reworked throughout. It is often available at local book stores.

Tournaments - Jousts, Chivalry and Pageants in the Middle Ages; Richard Barber and Juliet Barker (1989)

R394.7 Barber at: L

The book (well you knew it was coming) on tournaments. This is a oversized, extensively illustrated book found in the reference section; no doubt for its own protection. While each of the other books discusses the tournament, this book, of course, covers them in much more detail - describing many well enough to have a go at recreating them. Besides what happened at tournaments, it also covers who held them, what the church and others thought of them, and what people wore there. Plus lots more. And did I say extensively illustrated. Beautiful.

Take me back HOME

Comments or questions should be mailed to truffa@alaska.net , please include the words 'Argent Bear' in the subject line.