England in the Middle Ages more than his predecessors to handle general administration, to legislate and to raise the necessary taxes to pay for the wars in France. The royal lands—and incomes from them—had diminished over the years, and increasingly frequent taxation was required to support royal initiatives. Edward held elaborate chivalric events in an effort to unite his supporters around the symbols of knighthood. The ideal of chivalry continued to develop throughout the 14th century, reflected in the growth of knightly orders (including the Order of the Garter), grand tournaments and round table events. Society and government in England in the early 14th century
Book of Chivalry against the English. In 1356, Jean II was captured during the Battle of Poitiers, leading to the complete breakdown of the order. It was in this same battle that Charny, along with many other French knights, died exemplifying the chivalric ethos that he described in his treatise. Charny’s book is unique in its focus. Unlike earlier works such as Vegetius' "De Re Militari", or later ones such as Christine de Pizan's "The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry", Charny’s "Book of Chivalry" is not intended as a manual for how to conduct military operations. He approaches his subject