The Buke of the Order of Knyghthood Translated from the French by Sir Gilbert Hay, Knight

A rare medieval treatise on chivalry, this work brings the voice of a 15th‑century Scottish knight into the present. Originally penned in French and later rendered into Scots, it sets out the ideals, duties, and conduct expected of a true knight—both on the battlefield and at court. Readers hear the clear, earnest instructions that shaped the lives of warriors who served both Scotland and France, revealing a blend of martial skill, religious devotion, and courtly courtesy.

The text is framed by a thoughtful dedication to the Abbotsford Club and a prefatory essay that situates the author within his noble lineage and scholarly journey from Aberdeen to the French royal court. The translator’s careful hand preserves the original’s dignity while making the language accessible for modern ears. Listeners gain a vivid glimpse of early Scottish literature, the cultural exchange between Scotland and France, and the personal ambition of a knight‑scholar whose legacy survived only in this singular manuscript.