Richard W. Barber

A concise well written history that would appeal to the general reader and the student.

Many people will have heard of "The Black Prince" and Barber sets himself the task of writing a biography, while admitting that we know very little about him from official records. It is to Barber's credit that he does not stray too far from what is known and concentrates on building the history of the 100 years war around Edward as a central figure. While Edward was alive and well the English were winning show more the war against France. Edward was the stuff of legend for his prowess as a warrior and leader of men and his involvement in the battles of Crecy 1346, Poitiers 1356, Najera 1367, and Limoges 1370, have been justly celebrated ever since. He was expected to take over the kingship from his father Edward III, but unfortunately died before his father.

There are few words wasted here and Barber tell his narrative history in 240 pages.(notes references and an index take up another 50 pages). His final sentence sums up what I think is an interesting leitmotif in the book.

"And when we have sought out the dry facts and dull realities, it is to that legend that we return in the end, more enduring than any mere history."

Barber himself has done an excellent job in sorting out the dry facts and dull realities and it is with some honesty that he says that this is almost in vain. The final chapter titled "The Legend" compares the writings of the chroniclers of the time (particularly Froissart) with each other and those dry facts. It does an excellent job in pointing out how those legends come into being and leads the reader to consider which is the most valuable the legend or the history.

This is worth reading if only for that final short chapter. show less

"Tournaments were at the heart of much medieval pageantry...They combined the spectacular with all the excitement of a dangerous skillful sport, and the attendant hero-worship of its stars."

The "tournament" is a result of an evolving cultural exchange throughout the Middle Ages, originally meaning an open battlefield melee of teamed combatants. Starting in the 11th c. in Northern France with the introduction of the "couched" lance, mounted combat was called a "hastilude," whether in unified show more teams or joust.

In the early years, a bloody hastilude could be hosted by any number of lords, foreign or otherwise, on any public land they wished. To control disorder and utilize propaganda, tournaments were eventually royally licensed. Tournaments were banned or encouraged at a whim, with disobedience paid for in title or land. But a battle won, a coronation, or a royal marriage could mean a celebratory tournament. With poets and troubadours singing the praises of victorious knights and their gracious hosts, the tournament became intimately intertwined with chivalry.

The coffee-table size of this book is misleading because it isn't just a broad overview. Gorgeous illustrations accompany a detailed examination of the origin, terminology, and variations of tournaments with examples both famous and obscure. The authors explore the politics behind it all and how economy vs extravagance could make or break a host's reputation. The reader might be surprised to learn that a joust at their local Renaissance Faire or "festival," is quite similar to one in the 15th c. But Barber and Barker also explore the dangers behind the colorful banners. The effectiveness of armour meant life or death for the rider. This chapter in particular was fascinating as each region offers their own designs, alterations and improvements. A beautiful book and an excellent read! show less

A scholarly study of all things tournament-related - that nevertheless manages to be an unputdownable read. It looks at the history and development of the tournament, from its thuggish beginnings to the delicate refinements of its later years, and is illustrated with magnificent contemprary images. The interplay between medieval romances, and their re-enactment as spectacle provided by the great and the good of Europe; the unsubtle economics behind some of the participants' presence, show more tournament wives - all are covered here. I love it! show less

Apparently there are pictures of the Grail dating back to the mid 9th Century, and even earlier images of a Grail or Grail-like object. I had no idea. I thought it was purely a 12th Century thing. As well as these shadowy beginnings, the first half of the book looks at the literature that created the legend. Barber thoroughly covers Chrétien to Malory but really focuses in detail on the period 1190-1240. There’s a handy graph at the back that shows works vs time. His analysis is really show more good. They were a couple of points where I thought he hadn’t made his point, but on the whole, where I had read the book he was talking about, I found I agreed with him. In the world of my head this means that we are both right.

In the second half he looks at the resurgence of interest, covering scholarship, literature, and the arts. He also covers esoterica and tries to keep a straight face, bless ‘im, but there some funny moments.

This is the first non-fiction book on the subject that I’ve read, but I’m having trouble imagining a better one. It should probably be required reading for anyone interested in the subject. I should imagine that there are many people who will not agree with his conclusions. I think that Barber argues honestly enough for people to make up their own minds. show less