Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry

Online Description

It is unexpected in any era to find a woman writing a book on the art of warfare, but in the fifteenth century it was unbelievable. Not surprisingly, therefore, Christine de Pizan’s The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry, written around 1410, has often been regarded with disdain. Many have assumed that Christine was simply copying or pilfering earlier military manuals. But, as Sumner Willard and Charity Cannon Willard show in this faithful English translation, The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry contains much that is original to Christine. As a military manual it tells us a great deal about the strategy, tactics, and technology of medieval warfare and is one of our most important sources for early gunpowder weapon technology. It also includes a fascinating discussion of Just War. Since the end of the fifteenth century, The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry has been available primarily through Antoine Vérard’s imprint of 1488 or William Caxton’s 1489 translation, The Book of the Order of Chivalry. Vérard even suggested that the work was his own translation of the Roman writer Vegetius, making no mention of Christine ‘s name. Caxton attributed the work to Christine, but it is impossible to identify the manuscript he used for his translation. Moreoever, both translations are inaccurate. The Willards correct these inaccuracies in a clear and easy-to-read translation, which they supplement with notes and an introduction that will greatly benefit students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Publication of this work should change our perception both of medieval warfare and of Christine de Pizan.

🔫 Author Background

Christine de Pizan (1364–c.1430) was a pioneering female author in medieval Europe, born in Venice and raised in the French court.
Following her husband’s death, she supported her family through writing, becoming Europe’s first professional female writer.
Her works covered a range of topics from courtly life to military strategy and just war theory.
She was well-read in classical sources like Vegetius and Frontinus, whose works influenced her strategic thought.
Her “Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry” synthesized ethical conduct with military knowledge, shaping early modern ideas of just warfare.

🔍 Author’s Main Issue / Thesis

Christine sought to reconcile the reality of war with chivalric and ethical ideals.
She argued that warfare must be governed by laws, honor, and justice, and that noblemen should conduct themselves with virtue even in battle.

📒 Sections

Introduction

Christine frames her work as a guide for noblemen, rooted in the traditions of Roman and medieval military scholarship.
She emphasizes the moral and legal dimensions of war, drawing upon historical texts to legitimize her arguments.

Key Points

Chapter 1: Origins and Causes of War
War should only be undertaken justly and for moral purposes.
Legal grounds for war and the importance of the sovereign’s role are discussed.
Chapter 2: Military Organization
Focuses on proper formation and discipline of armies.
References to Roman practices from Vegetius.
Chapter 3: Conduct During War
Emphasizes mercy, justice, and moderation.
The ethics of siegecraft, treatment of prisoners, and avoidance of unnecessary bloodshed.
Chapter 4: The Role of Chivalry
Chivalric values must guide the warrior’s behavior.
Nobility of character is portrayed as integral to military effectiveness.
Chapter 5: Legal and Political Considerations
Strong legalist approach to war-making authority.
War must be declared publicly and according to law.
Chapter 6: Naval and Siege Warfare
Discusses naval battles, defenses, and sieges.
Combines practical advice with ethical restraint.

Conclusion

Christine concludes by reinforcing the idea that noblemen must be both warriors and moral exemplars.
She advocates for a codified system of just war, where even violence is bounded by ethics and law.

✍️ Key Terms

Just War: A war justified by legal and moral reasoning.
Chivalry: A code of conduct for knights emphasizing honor, bravery, and respect.
Sovereignty: The authority to declare war lies with the ruler.
Mercy in War: Avoidance of unnecessary suffering and humane treatment of enemies.
Military Law: Christine’s use of Roman legal frameworks to legitimize conduct in warfare.

🗂 Notable Quotes & Thoughts

“A knight must be more than a fighter; he must be just in his cause and merciful in victory.”
“No man ought to take up arms unless the cause be right and the authority lawful.”
“Let the prince declare war with open voice and noble heart, so that none may doubt his justice.”
“Chivalry without justice is but savagery in shining armor.”
“In all things of war, the laws must be as swords—sharp, but only drawn when right demands it.”