Knights at Tournament (Elite) [Paperback]

Christopher Gravett (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: March 26, 1992

Like all warrior classes throughout history medieval knights engaged in military games, partly in preparation for war and partly for pure sport. From their often brutal origins in the 10th century to the gaudy pageantry and eventual decline of the 15th and 16th centuries, tournaments were the centre of the knightly life. The image of the armoured and surcoated knight on his caparisoned charger remains the epitome of the chivalric ideal. Christopher Gravett explores the history of the tournament from its chaotic beginnings to its more formal, 'civilised' incarnation, describing the various 'events' and equipment which came into use.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Christopher Gravett is Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries and a recognised authority on the arms, armour and warfare of the medieval world. He has worked as an advisor for numerous TV and Film productions. His previous Osprey titles include Warrior 1: Norman Knight 950-1204 AD and Campaign 13: Hastings 1066.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (March 26, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850458366
• ISBN-13: 978-0850458367
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1.7 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #971,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure In a Small Package, April 22, 2000

By 

Randall Parr - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knights at Tournament (Elite) (Paperback)

As with all his books of medieval interest, Christopher Gravett demonstrates a refreshing balance of knowledge and insight, accented with simplicity and clarity. In other words, his readers will get all of the substance they want without the obligatory and laborious academia-speak. Add this to the brilliant graphics provided by Angus McBride, and you will have an unforgettable journey back in time that you will not want to miss.

Knights at Tournament is a "must" for anyone interested in what was often referred to as "The Sport of Kings". This book traces the evolution of Tournament, from it's inception as a deadly, politically controversial, excommunicated exercise in medieval warfare, to it's apogee as a safer, magnificently popular public spectacle. In addition to learning about the major developmental aspects of Tournament, the reader will discover much about the rules and customs associated with it. While defining the various events of a typical Tournament (including the melee, feats of equestrian skill and ground combat competitions), particular attention is paid to the art of jousting. Discussed from an international perspective, Mr. Gravett highlights some of the different jousting styles made popular in England, France, Italy and Germany, along with backgrounds on many of the knightly champions who made it exciting. Interesting and detailed information on such relevant sub-topics as the lances, shields, specialized armor, ancillary weapons, and horses used in this sport is also provided.

Please note that, for some reason, there are two books offered by Amazon called "Knights at Tournament". They are exactly the same book by the same author, and the only difference between the two is the cover. So, whichever cover you choose, I recommend that you add this book to your library. You will not be disappointed.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, April 21, 2000

By 

Randall Parr - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knights at Tournament (Trade Editions) (Paperback)

As with all his books of medieval interest, Christopher Gravett demonstrates a refreshing balance of knowledge and insight, accented with simplicity and clarity. In other words, his readers will get all of the substance they want without the obligatory and laborious academia-speak. Add this to the brilliant graphics provided by Angus McBride, and you will have an unforgettable journey back in time that you will not want to miss.

Knights at Tournament is a "must" for anyone interested in what was often referred to as "The Sport of Kings". This book traces the evolution of Tournament, from it's inception as a deadly, politically controversial, excommunicated exercise in medieval warfare, to it's apogee as a safer, magnificently popular public spectacle. In addition to learning about the major developmental aspects of Tournament, the reader will discover much about the rules and customs associated with it. While defining the various events of a typical Tournament (including the melee, feats of equestrian skill and ground combat competitions), particular attention is paid to the art of jousting. Discussed from an international perspective, Mr. Gravett highlights some of the different jousting styles made popular in England, France, Italy and Germany, along with backgrounds on many of the knightly champions who made it exciting. Interesting and detailed information on such relevant sub-topics as the lances, shields, specialized armor, ancillary weapons, and horses used in this sport is also provided.

Please note that, for some reason, there are two books offered by Amazon called "Knights at Tournament". They are exactly the same book by the same author, and the only difference between the two is the cover. So, whichever cover you choose, I recommend that you add this book to your library. You will not be disappointed.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, June 4, 1999

By 

Peter Gugerell (Wien) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knights at Tournament (Elite) (Paperback)

A very good volume in the Osprey Elite series. The author, Christopher Gravett, describes the development of the medieval tournament from 12th to the 16th century. The drawings by Angus McBride are beautiful.