Medieval Travellers: The Rich and the Restless - Softcover

Labarge, Margaret Wade

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753820412 ISBN 13: 9780753820414

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group, 2005

Synopsis

It may surprise the non-historians amongst us, but medieval people travelled widely, some of them covering vast distances. People journeyed for a variety of reasons, whether for religious purposes such as pilgrimages and visiting shrines and religious sites, for political reasons, social context between officials, family and friends, and for amusement to release them from their boredom. By the end of the medieval period, sources tell us that people took great pleasure in travelling and were curious about visiting new places. This book relates stories of great travellers of the 13th to mid-15th century, from kings and queens and, of course, their households, to officials and diplomats, crusaders, pilgrims, adventurers and social climbers. Putting display and style above comfort, many of the aristocracy travelled between their houses, or hunting camps, with an elaborate entourage which brought spectacle to the places they visited. Based on chronicles, other literary works, household accounts and such like, Margaret Wade Labarge also explores the physical conditions and practicalities of making such journeys.

About this title

Reviews

Labarge writes in her informative introduction that it was the pleasant duty of the rich and powerful in medieval society to wear fine clothes and jewelry, to ride a spirited horse, to set a generous table, and to scatter largess among the less fortunate. "Display and elegance were necessary; comfort, though desired, was secondary," she tells readers. Young, restless adventurers traveled in search of fortune, while others traveled to attend social occasions such as weddings, feasts, or tournaments. In this, her eighth book (which includes 54 black-and-white illustrations), Labarge draws on chronicles and literary works as well as itemized expense accounts that noble diplomats and officials had to submit in order to get reimbursed. Some of the travelers died on the road, and it was important to return the body to the family mausoleum. The final journey could often be long and difficult, but at least there was no hassle getting through airport security. George Cohen
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Edition details

• Publisher: Orion Publishing Group
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0753820412
• ISBN 13: 9780753820414
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 286