<i>The Knightly Art of Battle</i> (review)
Caitlin Taylor Holton
Reviewed by: The Knightly Art of Battle Caitlin Taylor Holton Ken Mondschein, (Los Angeles: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2011) 128 pp., ill. centrality warfare and violence to the mentality elite men in medieval Europe cannot be understated. Aristocratic masculine identity revolved around martial prowess, preparation for waging battle (whether real or staged) consumed much lives men. It is sometimes forgotten, though, that these were not skills a man was born with, but ones taught learned over many hours. Martial instruction began young, although complemented by other forms learning, physicality only marker class, also way survival. Fiore dei Liberi’s Fior di battaglia Flower Battle, written c. 1410, one earliest surviving Fechtbücher, fighting books, texts outline techniques strategies combat. Fechtbücher did replace in-person experience, instead reminded reader particular procedures. especially notable date its composition, style illustrations, being particularly naturalistic, production Italian at time when most German. [End Page 239] Museum Los Angeles owns finest complete version Battle. This copy believed have been gift from duke Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, marquis Ferrara, Niccolò III d’Este, according author Mondschein. In Mondschein reproduces manuscript’s interesting illustrations offers gentle introduction analysis text. Directed primarily popular audience, examines authorship, provenance, significance text before discussing contents images manuscript itself. their discussion are organized under headings “Wrestling,” “Self-Defense,” “Sword,” “Fighting Armor,” “Hafted Weapons,” “Equestrian Combat,” “Dirty Tricks Improvised Weapons.” scholarly edition MS Lugwig XV 13, nor sustained academic cultural conditions production; neither, however, does it pretend be. For who will pick up this book, may closest they come manuscript. They will, well served work numerous high-resolution contained here. high enough quality see details pen strokes distinguish hair- flesh-sides parchment as imperfections. perhaps unfortunate offer any aspects addition his iconographical analysis, include brief description processes involved producing main strength book ability humanize experiences peoples, both scribes warriors—a result author’s obvious affection subject. On fol. 47, example, an illustration exists two horses tied tree. Lacking scribal explanation, hypothesizes purpose: “are vanquished? Are resting after hard day training while masters refresh themselves? Or artist simply enjoy drawing horses?” (115). Interpolations like remind modern readers personalities individuals long since lost history. popularity television shows History Channel’s Full Metal Jousting (for which has worked consultant) HBO’s Game Thrones, variety medieval-influenced movies, indicate growing interest theory practice warfare. If so, timed ease interested parties dramatic more sources. would use undergraduate courses on military history, those purposes eBook edition, unfortunately currently available, ideal. states purpose serve “as visual tour of...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies