The Tournament—Its Periods and Phases

Step onto the tilt and discover how the grand spectacle of the medieval tournament changed over centuries. Drawing on records from Germany, England, France, and Italy, the work traces the shift from early melee contests to the heavily regulated pageantry of the sixteenth century, explaining how armor, lances, and even the horses themselves evolved. Vivid illustrations accompany the text, letting listeners picture the massive 93‑pound foot armor and the 340‑pound horse harness that defined the later contests.

The author’s meticulous research, built on decades of scholarship, brings previously inaccessible German documents into clear English narration, shedding new light on the practical realities behind the romantic myths. Readers will learn why the tournaments of Henry VIII were more ceremony than combat, and how the strict rules shaped the sport’s rhythm. Whether you’re a student of military history or simply curious about the pageantry of chivalry, this study offers a balanced, fact‑driven portrait that invites deeper appreciation.