The Age of Chivalry

by Thomas Bulfinch

Overview

The Age of Chivalry by Thomas Bullfinch is a classic collection of myths and legends from medieval Europe, including the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Robin Hood, and other heroic figures. Bullfinch's prose and keen insights breathe new life into these timeless stories, making them accessible and engaging to contemporary readers. Throughout the book, Bullfinch emphasizes the chivalrous code of honor, which was central to the ideals of medieval knighthood. He also explores the religious and mystical aspects of chivalry, such as the quest for the Holy Grail. The Age of Chivalry is a fascinating and inspiring book that captures the imagination of readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone interested in medieval history, mythology, and literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781761531453
Publisher:	Living Book Press
Publication date:	10/16/2023
Pages:	290
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.65(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Thomas Bulfinch (1796–1867) was an American author whose enduring contribution to literature lies in his ability to render the great myths and legends of antiquity and the Middle Ages accessible to a broad public. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, he grew up in a cultivated environment that valued learning, history, and the arts. His education at Harvard University provided him with a strong classical foundation, and he went on to spend much of his professional life working as a clerk for the Merchant’s Bank of Boston. Despite his practical career, Bulfinch nurtured a passion for literature and cultural history, dedicating himself to the task of translating the ancient and medieval heritage of myth into a form comprehensible and enjoyable to the lay reader.

Bulfinch’s approach was defined by clarity, elegance, and educational purpose. His most famous works—The Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry, and Legends of Charlemagne—were later collected under the title Bulfinch’s Mythology. These volumes together became some of the most influential compendiums of myth and legend in the English-speaking world. His goal was not scholarly commentary for specialists but rather a resource that could allow readers of all backgrounds to understand references to mythological and legendary material in literature and art. For Bulfinch, mythology was not an arcane subject but a vital part of cultural literacy, enriching one’s engagement with poetry, drama, and history.

As an author, Bulfinch was remarkable for his ability to balance fidelity to source material with engaging narrative. He drew upon classical authors, medieval romances, and continental traditions, shaping them into flowing prose that retained their symbolic richness while avoiding the obscurity that might alienate a general audience. His work reflected the nineteenth-century belief in self-education and the democratization of knowledge, embodying the conviction that myth and legend belonged not only to scholars but to all who valued literature and culture.