This evocative book examines the historical brotherhood of knights, how they were governed by their feudal lord, and the ideal of the chivalric code. Knights drew inspiration from portrayals of knighthood in the literature of chivalry - in heroic chansons de geste, poems of courtly love and prose, and verse of romances that told of knights' great deeds in war and love. Together, the chivalric code and the art of the time embodied a vision of how knights should and could behave. From the knightly heroes of the Bible and the classical worlds to the golden age of medieval chivalry and the enduring tales of King Arthur, there is also a discussion of how the knights of history lived up to these ideals, and themselves became legendary figures. • A history of the medieval code of chivalry, and how it bound together the brotherhood of knights who swore to it • Analyses the rich legacy of romantic art and literature inspired by chivalry, including the tales of Charlemagne, the enduring stories of King Arthur, and the chansons de gestes of the crusades and of epic tournaments • Features the most revered and honoured knights of the time, including King Edward I of England, Sir John Chandos, The Black Prince and William Wallace • Offers an intelligent and thoughtful discussion on the importance of the code of chivalry, with insights into how the ideal matched up to the reality of combat and politics • Lavishly illustrated with over 200 beautiful illustrations showing knights on the battlefield, at the tournament, and in love