Medieval etiquette

Etiquette is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Medieval books of etiquette codified these expectations, usually for the instruction of young readers.

It is important to understand that protocol is a separate concept from etiquette, and that medieval etiquette may be different from modern customs, even those practiced in the SCA.

Additional Reading

• The Book of the Knight of the Tower: Manners for Young Medieval Women by Rebecca Barnhouse (ISBN 1403969914)
• The Absence of Grace: Sprezzatura and Suspicion in Two Renaissance Courtesy Books by Harry Berger (ISBN 0804739056)
• The Book of the Courtier by Baldesar Castiglione (ISBN 0140441921) - English translation by Sir Thomas Hoby (1561)
• The Civilizing Process by Norbert Elias (ISBN 0631221611)
• The History of Manners by Norbert Elias (IBSN 0394711335)

External Links

• The Babees' Book: Medieval Manners for the Young (ISBN 0859916502)
• Atlantian A&S Links: Etiquette & Serving