Description
Longleaf Services on behalf of Cornell University Mediaeval Feudalism by Carl Stephenson
In the following pages I have tried to explain as simply and concisely as possible the historical significance of the feudal system My purpose has not been to give a comprehensive description of Europe in the feudal age or even of feudal society. I have taken for granted that the reader will be familiar with the main political events of the Middle ages: the barbarian invasions the formation of the Carolingian Empire the establishment of the later monarchies the Crusades and the like. I have omitted all but cursory mention of the manorial system and the revival of commerce I have in other words restricted the discussion to the few institutions that may be said to have constituted feudalism proper or to have been peculiarly associated with it.-from the PrefaceThis reprint of the first single-volume work in English originally published in 1942 to treat the principles of feudalism gives a clear and concise account of the origin growth and decay of the feudal system. Special attention is paid to the principles of feudal tenure chivalry the military life of the nobility and the workings of feudal government as illustrated by actual cases.show more