This book combines a simple dual biographical study of Waleran of Meulan and Robert of Leicester, the twin sons of Robert, Count of Meulan and Earl of Leicester, with an exploration of the exercise of power in twelfth-century Normandy and England. The twins were dominant and colourful characters, wh[...]
THE knight of all knights: this is William Marshal as portrayed by David Crouch in his classic biography of 'the Marshal'. International sportsman, career courtier and highly capable and professional soldier, William Marshal challenges many of our assumptions about boneheaded and unfeeling warrior k[...]
The tournament was a mock battle, at its height between 1100 and 1300, conducted by two arbitrary battalions over many square miles of open country. It was a one-day event, but when joined to ancillary festivals it could extend it to several days. The centre of the enthusiasm was across north and no[...]
The first great city to which the Crusaders came in 1089 was not Jerusalem but Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Almost as much as Jerusalem itself, Constantinople was the key to the foundation, survival and ultimate eclipse of the crusading kingdom. It was the threat to Constanti[...]
From postcards and paintings to photography and film, tourism and visual culture have a long-standing history of mutual entanglement. This book explores the complex association between tourism and visual culture throughout history and across cultures.[...]