Customer Reviews

Knights at Tournament (Trade Editions)

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4 star:		(2)
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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.

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.

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.

Good intordutory book on medieval tournaments.
Covers William Marshal to Henry VIII, with good detail.

Has excellent art, as folks have come to expect from Ospery. The book also has pleanty of pictuers of original items.

Excellent for re-enactors to get an idea of what the look of the tourney should be.