David Crouch provides a broad definition of aristorcracy by examining the ways aristocrats behaved and lived between 1000 and 1300. He analyses life-style, class and luxurious living in those years. A distinctive feature of the book is that it takes a British, rather than Anglocentric, view - looking at the penetration of Welsh and Scottish society by Anglo-French ideas of aristocracy.
INTRODUCTION: ARISTOCRACY AND NOBILITY Part I: Hereditary titles and social dignities 1 THE EARL AND THE COUNT 2 WELSH PRINCES AND THE PREHISTORY OF THE PEERAGE 3 SOCIAL DIGNITIES: BARONS AND BANNERETS 4 THE KNIGHT 5 THE SQUIRE AND LESSER RANKS Part II: Trappings and insignia 6 THE GREATER INSIGNIA 7 INSIGNIA DEFINING ARISTOCRACY 8 CASTLES AND HALLS 9 THE NOBLE HOUSEHOLD 10 PIETY AND STATUS?
Biography
David Crouch (University of Hull) (Author)
` ... a fascinating study of the growing self-consciousness of the English aristocracy, particularly in the late 12th and early 13th century, and its expression in lifestyle and heraldry.' Annual Bulletin of Historical Literature
`After an interesting introduction on notions of aristocracy and nobility, this work is divided into two part, the first on heriditary titles and social dignities, the second on trappings and insignia.' Annual Bulletin of Historical Literature
`... a fine and original book: a mine of information, and a lucid and enjoyable read.' - Chris Given-Wislon History
`This one book should become the indispensable companion to all future work on the medieval aristocracy.' - Southern Histry
` ... an ambitious and rewarding study.' - Agricultural History Review
`Crouch is perceptive and often amusing. He has brought together a wealth of recent scholarship unavailable to the general reader, and has given us a work that is a major contribution to the understanding of the evolution of aristocracy in the country, and a must for anyone with any interest in the subject.' - Literary Review
