“Knight: The Medieval Warrior’s (Unofficial) Manual”, by Michael Prestwich

 

208 pages, Thames & Hudson, ISBN-13: 978-0500251607

Knight: The Medieval Warrior’s (Unofficial) Manual by Michael Prestwich is another one of these fake owner’s manuals, much like Legionary: The Roman Soldier’s (Unofficial) Manual by Philip Matyszak (reviewed on March 6, 2012). Just like that other book, this one is a very quick read that covers a lot: the knight’s habits, gear, rules of engagement and so on. However, the book is basically centered on the 14^th Century, so one of the greatest knights in medieval history, William Marshall, isn’t even mentioned here, although three other legends of the period – Geoffroi de Charny, Sir John Hawkwood and Jean iI Le Maingre, also known as “Boucicaut” – are detailed. Much on display throughout is Prestwich’s dry wit and the occasional little knowing nods, like claiming that the Swiss aren’t interested in money and likely never will be, or that the English Order of the Garter is a rather silly order and don’t bother joining it because it probably won’t be around for long, or else telling his readers to avoid the medical help of the medieval proctologist who wrote a medical treatise entitled De Fistula in Anu. There’s even a section on Ladies and Damsels that has more of Prestwich’s gentle humor on display; to summarize, Prestwich suggests finding a sensible damsel to adore, who won’t hold you to ridiculous (and dangerous) oaths – like going into battle wearing an eyepatch over one eye, for instance. Want some more advice? Okay: “Have as little to do with peasants as possible”; “Do not crusade against Mamluks or Turks” (they fight too well); and “Get knighted on the battlefield: it’s much simpler that way”. Another excellent one-volume reference to this period, full of humor and interesting details – even if it hasn’t quite the scope or humor of Legionary – this (Unofficial) Manual is what it is: a lighthearted look at a legendary era that looks far better from a distance than close up.