The Book of Courtly Love: The Passionate Code of the Troubadours

by Andrea Hopkins

A treasury of French medieval lore combines the tales of Lancelot and Guinevere, Tristan and Isolde, Troilus and Criseyde, and several songs and poems with sixty accompanying illustrations from classic manuscripts and romantic art.

Genres: History, Medieval

128 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

Andrea Hopkins is a specialist in medieval and Arthurian history. Her published works include the highly regarded Chronicles of King Arthur, and Most Wise and Valiant Ladies.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, just was not what I was looking for. I was looking for poetry from unknowns that would resemble Love from the greats.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light COVID-19 reading with pretty pictures. I hadn't known much about courtly love except that it involved knights jousting to impress the ladies, but it was actually quite codified and detailed, with principles like love isn't complete without jealousy and can't exist between married couples. An interesting look at a moment in time.

[Micah Genest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small but informative book (booklet) about courtly love.

Good for tempting those to dip their fingers into the world of the rules of knightly romances. I am glad this little book was created, as it has some fun extra informative, info, which had passed me by in prior research. Though most of it is basic knowledge for those already pursuing cupid’s dagger (arrow) into the world of medival love, it is put forth into an attractive, short, and interesting package.