The theme of this book is the evolution, patterning and socio-cultural perceptions of status and power relations in this region since the creation of state structure during late medieval times. History and legend are recorded in this book through documents and oral narratives as well as the manner in which the past is encapsulated institutionally in society, myth and ritual.

Written by an international team of historians and scholars with specialized knowledge of the medieval era and illustrated with sumptuous images ranging from manuscript illuminations and PreRaphaelite paintings to photographs of authentic armor, swords, and castles, plus maps and a timeline, this book is at once a detailed history of knights and a chronicle of their cultural creations and legacy. This vividly written and lavishly illustrated large hardcover reference volume describes the origins of knighthood, the training and lifestyles of knights, and the vital role these warriors played in medieval military campaigns. It also explains heraldry and the various military and honorific orders of knighthood, and examines the portrayal of knights and literature and art.

Notebook journal of the history of the legend, size Black paper is 6 x 9 inches, pages 120.

Accompanying CD-ROM contains ... "all relevant illustrations from the book, arranged in alphabetical order according to mythological character. To increase the usefulness of the [CD-ROM], supplementary images not in the book have been added[.]"--P. xv.

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A history of the famous outlaw, drawn by the author from traditional balads, which are the source of the material for 22 of the tales.

Merlin remains the most famous and familiar image of the magician we possess. In this new book, Arthurian expert John Matthews examines the many guises of Merlin.