The History of Chivalry and Armour: With 60 Full-Color Plates

From his earliest years and throughout his training as squire, a young knight was rigorously instructed in the use of arms. Competing in tournaments honed the skills of knights and squires alike, and provided a keen development of military prowess beyond the dangers of the battlefield. As improvements in defensive armour and weaponry were made, the elaborate decoration of arms also flourished. The trials and jousts of the tournament became more than just a stage for combat as the weaponry itself…