The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal
First full translation of an important treatise on chivalric horsemanship.

Written around 1430, Duarte of Portugal's remarkable treatise on chivalric horsemanship, the Livro do Cavalgar (Book on Riding), is the sole substantial contemporary source to survive on the definitive physical skill of themedieval knight. It also stands out from the body of technical writings of the Middle Ages for its intelligence, insight, and intellectual versatility, ranging from psychological reflections on horsemanship and its implications for human ethics, to the details of how to couch a lance under the arm without getting it caught on armour. Under the general rubric of horsemanship Duarte covers a range of topics that include jousting, tourneying, and hunting, aswell as the physical apparatus of equestrianism and various cultural styles of riding.
However, despite its importance for scholarship, its language and technical content have so far resisted proper translation, a need whichthis book fills. The introduction provides not only the background to make Duarte's text comprehensible, but for the first time offers modern audiences a systematic point of access to the subject of medieval equestrianism in general.

JEFFREY L. FORGENG is curator of Arms and Armor and Medieval Art at the Worcester Art Museum, and Adjunct Professor of History at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
"1141726818"
The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal
First full translation of an important treatise on chivalric horsemanship.

Written around 1430, Duarte of Portugal's remarkable treatise on chivalric horsemanship, the Livro do Cavalgar (Book on Riding), is the sole substantial contemporary source to survive on the definitive physical skill of themedieval knight. It also stands out from the body of technical writings of the Middle Ages for its intelligence, insight, and intellectual versatility, ranging from psychological reflections on horsemanship and its implications for human ethics, to the details of how to couch a lance under the arm without getting it caught on armour. Under the general rubric of horsemanship Duarte covers a range of topics that include jousting, tourneying, and hunting, aswell as the physical apparatus of equestrianism and various cultural styles of riding.
However, despite its importance for scholarship, its language and technical content have so far resisted proper translation, a need whichthis book fills. The introduction provides not only the background to make Duarte's text comprehensible, but for the first time offers modern audiences a systematic point of access to the subject of medieval equestrianism in general.

JEFFREY L. FORGENG is curator of Arms and Armor and Medieval Art at the Worcester Art Museum, and Adjunct Professor of History at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
49.95 In Stock
<I>The Book of Horsemanship</I> by Duarte I of Portugal

The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal

<I>The Book of Horsemanship</I> by Duarte I of Portugal

The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal

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Overview

First full translation of an important treatise on chivalric horsemanship.

Written around 1430, Duarte of Portugal's remarkable treatise on chivalric horsemanship, the Livro do Cavalgar (Book on Riding), is the sole substantial contemporary source to survive on the definitive physical skill of themedieval knight. It also stands out from the body of technical writings of the Middle Ages for its intelligence, insight, and intellectual versatility, ranging from psychological reflections on horsemanship and its implications for human ethics, to the details of how to couch a lance under the arm without getting it caught on armour. Under the general rubric of horsemanship Duarte covers a range of topics that include jousting, tourneying, and hunting, aswell as the physical apparatus of equestrianism and various cultural styles of riding.
However, despite its importance for scholarship, its language and technical content have so far resisted proper translation, a need whichthis book fills. The introduction provides not only the background to make Duarte's text comprehensible, but for the first time offers modern audiences a systematic point of access to the subject of medieval equestrianism in general.

JEFFREY L. FORGENG is curator of Arms and Armor and Medieval Art at the Worcester Art Museum, and Adjunct Professor of History at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781783271030
Publisher: BOYDELL & BREWER INC
Publication date: 04/21/2016
Series: ISSN , #5
Pages: 180
Product dimensions: 5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

JEFFREY L. FORGENG is curator of Arms and Armor and Medieval Art at the Worcester Art Museum, and Adjunct Professor of History at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Table of Contents

List of Plates vi

Acknowledgements vii

Introduction 1

Duarte I 3

The Livro do Cavalgar 9

Duarte and Equestrian Literature 13

Medieval Horses and Equestrianism 17

Tack 18

Bits and Bridles 22

Spurs 26

Riding 27

Lanceplay 30

Duarte and the Horse 32

The Livro do Cavalgar and Other Technical Domains 34

Note on the Translation 45

The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal 47

[Prologue] 47

Here begins Part I of this book, which deals with the Will 50

Here ends Part I, concerning the Will, and begins Part II, concerning Ability 54

Part III, offering Sixteen Chief Recommendations for the good rider 56

Bibliography 155

Manuscripts 155

Editions and Translations of Duarte's Works 155

Other Printed Works 156

Index 171

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