Customer Reviews

The Knights Next Door: Everyday People Living Middle Ages Dreams

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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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.

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.

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.

As a member of the SCA, I found reading this book to be like hearing a good friend tell a fascinating story around the campfire about people and events that I had heard of but didn't know well. It was engaging, well written, and balanced in its appraisal of the SCA's values and flaws. I would like to have all my friends read it so they know what it is that keeps me going to events most weekends and spending so much time and money on something that seems so "out there."

O'Donnell did his research well, his voice is perfect for the material, and he manages to be both objective and connected with his subject.

I recommend getting two copies--one to read and one to lend out.

I was really quite shocked at the fanastic level of writing involved in documenting our small hobby.

He really went the extra mile on this book, traveled around the US and Europe and even documents the Living History groups, and everyone.

And Vitus, Andre (Ice Falcon has his own mini-chapter) and others on the Armour Archive (www.armourarchive.org) and some very close friends are FEATURED in the book. It gave me another insight into the character and style of people I call friends.

It shows both warts and beauty marks...it is an exercise for the reader to decide which ones are which.

I would recommend buying it.

-Aaron

PS: This book sits in my bathroom because it's never gotten to collect dust on the shelf! I had to sneak it away from my wife! Any page is interesting, just flip it open and read a line or two and it will hook you in.

I can't remember how I stumbled upon the link to this book, but I did so before it was released and ordered it the first day it was available from the author's site.

I've been in the SCA myself for just short of two years. Many of the gentles (people) that the author mentions, especially those in the East Kingdom, I have heard of, if not had personal acquaintance with them. While I myself am not a fighter, I have experienced and am still doing so, the same garb, persona, behavior and adaption concerns. On one hand it's hard to leave the mundane world behind and immerse yourself in the SCA culture; and on the other hand, it's not so hard to disappear "into" Pennsic for two weeks. It is a fascinating and different world, and you determine how far you want to go within it. What you put into the SCA, you get out of it. If all you wish to do is party, the opportunities exist. If you wish to research and learn, the opportunities exist and there are Laurels and Pelicans, and others with no titles who are experts in all fields, who are happy to share their knowledge and direct you upon your own path.

I felt the overall story line flowed smoothly enough. Taking the story of Valharic of the Middle Kingdom, from his beginnings in the SCA all the way through his journey to become King was an excellent way to advance the story line. The author, Patraic, describes his own personal challenges in his desire to become, at the very least, an acceptable fighter, with detail and passion. I feel he captures the essence of battle quite well...the chivalry, the desire to learn, the leadership which exists, and the hunger for such battles, personal and melee.

Once I picked up the book, I found it hard to put down...I will have to say that the last "quarter" of the book did not necessarily live up to the rest of the book, but I took into consideration that the author had experienced a near fatal accident prior to completion of all his research, and therefore this is somewhat reflected in the wrap up of his story. As with the video "In Service To The Dream" I feel it does short change Arts and Sciences to a degree. But again, the author was primarily interested in fighting, and not A & S.

Overall, an excellent book and I am glad to have purchased it. I have already recommended it others within the SCA as well as to those who do not participate.

FINALLY! a good book about my favorite group, the SCA!!!
I had the honor of meeting and talking to the author at Twelfth Night this year, and then took to reading 'just a little bit' of it...until my Lady insisted that we had to get home - it was getting late, and everyone else was leaving!!!
I have been in the SCA off and on, for 30 years now, and this book was like I was 'coming home' - there are mentions of many people I either knew or remembered, and it was nice to see the way they were handled, as was the rest of the Society - with enthusiasm, humor, and that touch of "What the ???? am I getting involved with?!?" that everyone tends to feel when first getting involved with the SCA.
Naturally, the fighting was emphasized, as it tends to be in the Society, but I was glad that he interviewed several merchants and those who were involved in the Arts and Sciences, as I am not a Fighter.
This book should be MANDATORY for anyone getting involved with the Known World!!!

In sooth, it matters not if ye be SCAdian or mundane, this book will delight and inform ye. Partick O'Donnell's "voice" is a perfect balance between jaded old-timer and wide-eyed newbie, to what we call "The Dream". His observations are spot on, and witty. His appraisal is honest, neither sugar-coating the bad bits nor over-stating the good bits. As a long time player in the SCA (16 years and counting) I can vouche for the authenticity of his descriptions and his analyses. Great fun, and a good read!! I agree...buy TWO COPIES! One to read and one to loan. Your friends will thank you, and who knows...they might even come to war with you. Highly recommended. Hie thee to thy Shopping Cart and there addeth this book! Disappointed thou shall not be.

Every summer across the country there are Renaissance Fairs and medieval events reenacted for men and women who enjoy the pomp, life styles, music, foods, and battles associated with the Middle Ages. The largest of these medievalist groups of fans and reenactors is The Society for Creative Anachronism. The Knights Next Door: Everyday People Living Middle Ages Dreams by journalist Patrick O'Donnell (aka Mael Patraic mac Domnaill, a wandering chronicles of the 9th Century who has journeyed across the Known World and has taken to battle and fought - poorly - in the 5th Century alongside a band of Romano-Celt mercenaries called Darkyard) is about this popular hobby as practiced by thousands of men, women, and children today. Informed, informative, and a whole lot of fun to read, The Knights Next Door is especially recommended for the fans of medieval reenactments, Renaissance Fairs, medieval themed movies, role-playing games, and novels.

I'm a swordfighter, using real armour and real swords. I found the whole insight into the SCA culture quite fascinating. But I found the best part of this book to be the following of one SCA member from his beginning in the SCA, to him becoming a well rounded person. It was a very interesting, very human story. Being from Australia the SCA movement is no where near as big here, so it was nice to see how the yanks do it.
In the last few chapters the author covers some groups from England. I found this quite fascinating, and I reckon he could do another book on it.

All in all a decent read.