The book of chivalry of geoffroi de charny

Thus it should appear to everyone that the best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come. Paper of exceptional interest for the light shed on the ethos, style, and taste s of the secular aristocracy of the later middle ages. In the same tradition, sir geoffroi wrote three books in his time. He was always loyal to his king, jean ii, king of france and died at the battle of poitiers protecting him. Charny was a knight who lived the chivalric life for nearly two decades in a manner thought ideal by his contemporaries, dying appropriately in battle at poitiers. He is the author of a number of books, including chivalry and violence in medieval europe. Translation by elspeth kennedy of exceptional interest for the light.

Rycerskie idealy codziennego zycia wedlug ksiegi o rycerstwie. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading a knights own book of chivalry. His adult life coincided with the opening phase of the series of anglofrench conflicts we call the hundred years war traditionally 371483. Format book hathitrust emergency access published philadelphia, pa. Coming from an illustrious family of french knights, he served king jean ii and provided the theoretical foundation the order of the star, meant to improve the combat reputation of french knights after the disaster of crecy in 46. He fought in the crusades and many times throughout the war with england. He was also intensely pious and, in fact, was the first documented owner of the shroud of turin. A considerable n u m b e r of treatises on chivalry were written during the medieval period, but it w a s charny s astute practicality and realistic understanding of the warrior mentality and duty that set his work apart from other treatises.

The treatise is intended to explain the appropriate qualities for a knight, reform the behavior of the fighting classes, and defend the chivalric ethos against its critics, mainly in clerical circles. Charny won the praise of many, both enemies and his friends and was bestowed many honors. Elspeth kennedy here edits the original french text of charny and provides a facingpage translation for the modern reader. Written in 52, charny s recentlyrepublished manuscript could be considered chivalry s last gasp in a process that has led to the modern worlds complete loss of the notion of honor. Throughout his life he fought many battles for france. Kaeuper is professor of history at the university of rochester. Of exceptional interest for the light shed on the ethos, style, and tastes of the secular aristocracy of the later middle ages. Sir geoffroi was born of an important french family. He prepared the book of chivalry as a guide for members of the company of the star, a new but shortlived order of knights created by jean ii of france in 52 to rival the english order of the. The translation of charny s original writing is clear and accessible to the average reader. Text, context, and translation 1996, trade paperback at the best online prices at ebay.