Perhaps the first important book this century on the medieval tournament--or more generally "hastilude" as Ms. Barker likes to refer to them--than this one.

Originally growing out of the author's Master's Thesis, this exceptionally fine work has blazed a shining trail and hinted at many tantilizing avenues for further investigation. The scholarship within is superb; although academic in content the feel is exceptionally readable with very fine footnoting.

Members of tournament societies in particular will find chapter 6 appealing, "The Tourneying Society," where she gives an overview of the German Tournament Societies that now provide a confraternal model for the companies of today.

Unfortunately this book is currently out of print but can sometimes be located second-hand, although at a price--expect to pay roughly $75.00 for it. Nonetheless it is a key work for anyone serious about the history of the medieval tournament and is thus worth some sacrifice.

1. The Early Beginnings
2. The Tournament and War
3. The Tournament and Politics
4. The Tournament and the Church
5. The Tournament as Spectacle
6. The Tourneying Society
7. The Forms of Combat
8. Tournament Armour

The Tournament in England: 1100-1400
Juliet Barker
Boydell & Brewer
Trade cloth
ISBN  #0851154506
Out of print--~$75.00

Try to find it at AbeBooks.com