The Knights Next Door: Everyday People Living Middle Ages Dreams [Paperback]

Patrick O'Donnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2004

Travel back in time to the Current Middle Ages, a re-created world of knights in shining armor, lords and ladies, artisans and minstrels with one foot in history, the other in today's modern society. Join a journey through the nation's largest medievalist group, the Society for Creative Anachronism, as it and other groups act out their passion for times long past. Meet the cast of colorful characters who call this re-created world home and follow a young fighter as he struggles to earn knighthood and the crown of the kingdom that serves as his stage.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Take a behind-the-shield look at the medieval sword battles, costumes, feasts and arts of the "Current Middle Ages," a world being re-created right around you by people just like you. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Patrick O?Donnell is a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and the University of Pennsylvania and hopes the Boston Red Sox will someday win a World Series.Mael Patraic MacDomnaill is a wandering chronicler of the 9th Century who has journeyed across the Known World. He has taken to battle and fought (poorly) in the 5th Century alongside a band of Romano-Celt mercenaries called Darkyard. Although such time travel is disorienting, he does not mind because, unlike the Red Sox, Darkyard usually wins.

Product Details

• Paperback: 311 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (October 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595325300
• ISBN-13: 978-0595325306
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #702,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A realistic and positive view of the SCA, March 14, 2006

By 

Katja Orlova (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knights Next Door: Everyday People Living Middle Ages Dreams (Paperback)

For anyone who wants to know what the Society for Creative Anachronism is all about, this book is **really** worth reading.

It's a remarkably realistic, positive, yet still warts-and-all view of the SCA. Plus, it's written darn well.

It really drives home the fact that the SCA has grown steadily more history- and authenticity-oriented since its roots as a backyard costume party, but it **still** contains several fantasy elements... and likely *always* will.

The SCA is much more flexible and inclusive than most historical recreation groups, so you're always going to have the Tuchux and other groups playing within the Society that aren't strictly historical or fit within the SCA's designation as a pre-17th Century history reenactment organization.

Yes, the involvement of these fringe groups can make a number of us who are concerned about historical accuracy double-clutch at times and we strongly feel that it lessens our credibility with Academia... but I think those groups' involvement also stops us from taking things too seriously. I believe the sheer variety and diversity of folks and their interests is one of our greatest strengths -- we offer many things to many people.

Although the focus of the book is on the Middle Kingdom (midwest United States), the author does interview folks all over the nation. It has *tons* of wonderful interviews with folks from all periods of the group's development (Fleig, Diana Paxson, Ice Falcon, Cariadoc of the Bow, Roak, Alys Katherine...) Their stories made me laugh, gasp, and literally sometimes cry.

I also really appreciated the fact that the book gave me -- someone who has never donned a helm and fought with heavy weapons -- a better appreciation of how and why fighters do what they do.

I used to waterbear a lot when I first joined the Society and I basically looked at heavy weapons fighting as though it was just another type of martial arts competition, as though I was watching an aikido demonstration or a karate tournament.

This book helped me glimpse that there's a lot more to the mindset and the practice of heavy weapons fighting.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evenhanded, upbeat, and witty, January 18, 2006

By 

P. Seibel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Knights Next Door: Everyday People Living Middle Ages Dreams (Hardcover)

This was one of those books that I had to force myself to put down so that I could get at least a few hours of sleep before going to work in the morning. The author takes an initially skeptical journey into the "Known World" of the SCA so he can write this book, but he eventually becomes just as enthusiastic as every other person who dons the garb and travels back in time. The author's account does not neglect certain negative aspects of the SCA either, but manages to paint a concise, yet detailed picture of what goes on in this uniqe, yet large organization. The author's style of writing is informal, yet engaging, making references to everything from Henry V to Monty Python, full of tongue-in-cheek humor and wit. Additionally, his narrative of Valharic and his quest for the crown is one that can tug on your heartstrings, regardless of your interest in the SCA. This is definitely a must-read for anyone who enjoys or is curious about the SCA.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Studied Account of Now and Then..., October 26, 2005

By 

Radagaisus "Rutgur" (Ohio (Midrealm)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knights Next Door: Everyday People Living Middle Ages Dreams (Hardcover)

As Patrick O'Donnell reveals the goings-on of a snapshot of time in the SCA, he reveals the history of the people involved in a most compelling manner. I know several of the people about whom his tale reports, and lived through much of what happened. O'Donnell's story kept me rivetted to the ongoing story, while providing perspective and background in a way that neither stalls the narrative nor glosses over the necessary details. I have a renewed appreciation for what happened. Additionally, by experiencing other re-enactment/recreation groups, O'Donnell gives the longtime SCA member a way to understand and contrast how others contribute to the learn-by-doing community. This understanding is invaluable to those who seek out available research first, then proceed toward their own hands-on experience.
A fantastic read. Even those who have been involved for years are likely to learn something new. Highly Recommended.