The Chivalric Ethos and the Development of Military Professionalism

Abstract

The essays in this volume explore the extent to which the chivalric ethos and military professionalism were incompatible, as well as their relative significance for developments in the art of war, and the rise of the state. Essays explore the armies and societies of late-medieval and early-modern France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, England and the Netherlands. They examine both the theory and practice of war, using literary, archival and artistic evidence. Overall the volume probes what constitutes military 'professionalism'; assesses the real long term significance of developments in this period; and considers whether military professionalism required the waning of the chivalric ethos or merely resulted in it. Analysis of elite culture makes this valuable for historians of culture and politics. Military operations are related to organisations and structures, bridging the gap of military enthusiasts and academic historians.

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