The Tournament: Its Periods and Phases — Medieval Tournaments, Jousts, and Chivalry History | Kessinger Publishing

Overview

The Tournament: Its Periods and Phases by R. Coltman Clephan offers a richly detailed journey through the evolution of medieval tournaments, tracing the shift from early jousts to the elaborate pageantry of later centuries. This edition presents a faithful facsimile of the scarce original, delivering historical depth while remaining accessible to today s readers. Clephan surveys how tournaments were structured, the rules and customs that shaped each encounter, and the attire and equipment that defined the spectacle. The result is a thoughtful panorama of a cultural practice that blended competition, display, and social signaling within medieval and Renaissance society.

What you will discover inside

• A chronological view of tournament history, from simple trials to sophisticated ceremonial events.
• Descriptions of the main contest types including the joust, the melee, and the pas d armes.
• Details on armor, heraldry, banners, and other material culture that accompanied the tournaments.
• Notable episodes and figures such as Field of the Cloth of Gold and the Tournament of the Black Knight.
• Discussion of the social and cultural significance of tournaments as displays of wealth, power, and prestige.

Reading experience and structure

• A clear narrative that traces the evolution of events across centuries, with period context.
• Vivid anecdotes and scenes that illuminate life around the lists and tilts.
• Attention to the ceremonial and tactical aspects of tournaments, including rules and customary practice.
• A facsimile edition that preserves original formatting and marginalia, while offering modern accessibility for readers and researchers.

Who this book is for

Ideal for history enthusiasts, students, collectors, and readers curious about chivalry, sport, and the social fabric of medieval and Renaissance Europe. It invites careful reading of how competition intersected with diplomacy, fashion, and public spectacle.

Edition notes

As a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, the edition may include era marks and minor imperfections typical of historical prints. The value lies in providing access to a historic account that continues to inform our understanding of tournament culture and its enduring legacy in Western history.