The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry

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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 355.02 EAN: 9780271018812 ISBN: 027101881X Label: Pennsylvania State University Press Manufacturer: Pennsylvania State University Press Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 223 Publication Date: 1999-05 Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press Studio: Pennsylvania State University Press
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Editorial Reviews: It is unexpected in any era to find a woman writing a book on the art of warfare, but in the 15th century it was unbelievable. Not surprisingly, therefore, Christine de Pizan's "The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry", written around 1410, has often been regarded with disdain. Many have assumed that Christine was simply copying or pilfering earlier military manuals. But, as Sumner Willard and Charity Cannon Willard show in this English translation, "The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry" contains much that is original to Christine. As a military manual it tells a great deal about the strategy, tactics and technology of mediaeval warfare and is an important source for early gunpowder weapon technology. It also includes a fascinating discussion of Just War. Since the end of the 15th century, "The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry" has been available primarily through Antoine Verard's imprint of 1488 or William Caxton's 1489 translation, "The Book of the Order of Chivalry". Verard even suggested that the work was his own translation of the Roman writer Vegetius, making no mention of Christine's name. Caxton attributed the work to Christine, but it is impossible to identify the manuscript he used for his translation. Moreover, both translations are inaccurate. The Willards correct these inaccuracies in a clear and easy-to-read translation, which they supplement with notes and an introduction that will greatly benefit students, scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Of intrest to armchair or minimumal historians too Comment: I first read about this book in the forward to another book by Christine De Pisan (Treasure of the City of Ladies.) I became wild to own several of her writings, and am glad to own this one. I find it interesting reading even though I am not really a scholar of military history, at least not in the usual sense. As a member of an historical re-creation society I take particular enjoyment in this book, as I have stood on the sidelines of our "battles" and know a very little about field tactics from watching. As the organizer of our medieval version of the USO Canteen, I really, REALLY liked the parts about how to feed an army before battle! Customer Rating: Summary: Military strategy according to a 15th century female author Comment: This book from 1410 consists of two main parts. The first part deals with military strategy (mostly based on Vegetius), and the second (mostly based on Bonnet's tree of battles) with laws of war, and the concept of just war. I found this work much more enjoyable than Macchiavelli's Art of War, for one thing Christine doesn't dwell so much on the supposed superiority of the Romans in all things, and she adds some interesting original material, such as detailed lists of fortification and siege equipment (up to sizes and amounts of timber, nails, etc.). This book is unique, being the only military classic written by a female author. The translation to english is very readable. More Reviews