He is the author of a number of books, including chivalry and violence in medieval europe. Elspeth kennedy on the great influence of a valiant lord. Throughout his life he fought many battles for france. 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. Kaeuper is professor of history at the university of rochester. Text, context, and translation the middle ages series 9780812215793. 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.
Kaeuper, 1996, university of pennsylvania press edition, in english. A considerable number of treatises on chivalry were written during the medieval period, but it was charnys astute practicality and realistic understanding of the warrior mentality and duty that set his work apart from other treatises. Geoffroi discusses many subjects but above all he valyes skill at. Paper of exceptional interest for the light shed on the ethos, style, and tastes of the secular aristocracy of the later middle ages. The book of chivalry is the most pragmatic of all surviving chivalric manuals. 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 in 56.
It is said to be an authentic likeness to the father as well and the son. The treatise is intended to explain the appropriate. Charny is an important witness on all matters relating to chivalry, in particular, because he lived the life of knighthood in a manner thought ideal by his contemporaries. Geoffroi discusses many subjects but above all he values skill at. Sir geoffroi was born of an important french family. I have the book and from one reading i felt i needed to read it again, after a second reading i would say this is a highly recommended read and a manual in which we can base our commitment to the ideal of chivalry on. He fought in the crusades and many times throughout the war with england.
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