Chivalry Today Podcast

In this episode: Scott explores the dark streets of one of the most overlooked genres of chivalric literature – the private eye story – with author and publisher Charles Ardai. Mr. Ardai is founder of Hard Case Crime Books, and his short story The Home Front won an Edgar Award in 2007 for outstanding mystery fiction. Mr. Ardai recently uncovered a rumored (but long-lost) manuscript by James M. Cain, one of the pioneers of early 20th century detective fiction (along with Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler) called The Cocktail Waitress, which he is currently editing and preparing for publication. (A note for those who maybe confused by the title of this episode: “We Never Sleep” was the motto used by private investigator and security man Allan Pinkerton in the 1870’s. When allegedly nonfiction accounts of some of Pinkerton’s exploits were published, they started to create a market for American readers interested in the doings of the “private eye.”) Quicklinks – use the links below to learn more about the books, videos, products, and programs mentioned on this episode of the podcast: * Hard Case Crime Books – Explore the full catalog of crime fiction titles they offer, including novels by Stephen King, Lawrence Block, and Mickey Spillane; * Read the full text of Charles Ardai’s award-winning story The Home Front on-line; * Donate to Chivalry Today and get some great appreciation gifts as part of our Sixth Season “Choose Your Rewards” donor appreciation program. Chivalry Never Sleeps: The Private Eye and the Knight Seedy gin joints and filthy city alleys lit by stark streetlamps. Saps, switchblades and snub-nosed six guns. Men in dark fedoras and stained trench coats, and blonde-bombshell women with strong wills and weak morals … These are just a few of the more distinctive features of a genre of literature and film we’ve come to know as the crime novel, or the detective story. From books written in the early 20th century like The Maltese Falcon and Farewell, My Lovely, to more recent film interpretations like Chinatown and L.A. Confidential, the noir detective story has become a staple of American film and literature. (Even Calvin, in the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes, fancied himself a gumshoe private eye from time to time as he tracked down homework-stealing villains as his noir alter-ego Tracer Bullet – a tribute to just how deeply entrenched that sort of character is in our cultural psyche.) Now at first you might wonder what private eyes and urban crime stories have to do with discussions of the code of chivalry. But scratch the surface just a little bit, and you’ll find that hidden under that trenchcoat, “roscoe,” and fedora is, in fact, a knight in shining armor. Consider: In early drafts of Raymond Chandler’s work, detective Philip Marlowe was named (instead) Philip Malory in homage to the Arthurian tales written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century, which inspired Chandler’s writing. And in an article in The New Yorker in 1931, literary critic Dorothy Parker compared Dashell Hammet’s detective character Sam Spade to Sir Lancelot. In fact, the connection between the knightly characters of the Age of Chivalry and the hard-...

Podcast 55: Chivalry Never Sleeps — The Knight and the Private Eye

In this episode, Scott is joined by Gwen Nowrick and Jeffrey Hedgecock, the founders of Historic Enterprises, and organizers of the World Joust Tournament of the Phoenix competitive jousting event, to discuss medieval horsemanship and its relationship to the ideals of chivalry. Gwen is the author of an article on the competitive sport of jousting in the Fall edition of Elite Equestrian magazine, and Jeffrey will be one of the competitors riding in the jousting event. They are also the coordinators of a roundtable discussion and demonstration of historical horsemanship that will be conducted by internationally acclaimed trainer Patrice Edwards, and Dr. Jeffrey Forgeng, curator of arms and armor at the Higgins Armory Museum. Before listening: Please make a donation to help support the production of our podcast in its new “Simply Chivalry” format for Season Six. Donate at one of the following levels and you’ll receive the appreciation gift listed: * Donate $25 to Chivalry Today and you’ll receive a Chivalry Today T-shirt or travel mug (your choice); * Donate $50 to Chivalry Today and you’ll receive a shirt with the logo for the 2011 Tournament of the Phoenix jousting event, two one-day passes to the joust (Oct. 21, 22, or 23), as well as a Chivalry Today T-shirt; * Donate $100 to Chivalry Today and you’ll receive a family four-pack of three-day passes to the joust (good all three days, Oct. 21, 22, and 23) as well as Chivalry Today and Tournament of the Phoenix T-shirts. You can make a donation of any size by using the red Piggy Bank donation button on the right-hand side of your screen. Saddled With Chivalry: Equestrian researchers Gwen Nowrick and Jeffrey Hedgecock discuss riding and the knightly code. Armored knights on horseback competing in the spirit of chivalry may seem like something out of a medieval history book – but don’t call jousting “a thing of the past” when Gwen Nowrick and Jeffrey Hedgecock are around. Gwen and Jeffrey are organizers behind World Joust; Gwen is an avid student and practitioner of historical equestrian riding and training practices; Jeffrey is a skilled horseman himself, who is one of the best-known competitors on the jousting circuit today. For these two, jousting is a sport that’s a blend of both traditional pageantry and exciting contemporary relevance – no different from polo, steeple jumping, or even horse racing. (And if you think that clanking chain mail and long medieval gowns automatically disqualify this as a modern sport … well, those wild outfits you see in the stands on opening day at the races aren’t any stranger than medieval armor or 15th century lady’s fashions.) In coordinating the judges and field staff at the jousting tournament, Gwen’s focus is not so much on the skill and accuracy with the lance or sword, as with the control and grace between rider and horse. For Jeffrey, of course, the jousting matches are an opportunity to put academic research into practice – to see how historical riding skills hold up when it’s time to start breaking lances. Gwen’s article on jousting as a modern sport appears in the most recent issue of

Podcast 54: Saddled With Chivalry

In the first episode of the sixth season of the podcast, Scott speaks with Prof. Jennifer G. Wollock, author of the new book Rethinking Chivalry And Courtly Love. She explains how this medieval literary ideal has had a profound impact on modern society, from military doctrines and ethics, to romantic stories of forbidden love and star-crossed passion. Also: Please make a donation to help support the production of our podcast in its new “Simply Chivalry” format for Season Six. Donate at one of the following levels and you’ll receive the appreciation gift listed: * Donate $25 to Chivalry Today and you’ll receive a Chivalry Today T-shirt or travel mug (your choice); * Donate $50 to Chivalry Today and you’ll receive a shirt with the logo for the 2011 Tournament of the Phoenix jousting event, two one-day passes to the joust (Oct. 21, 22, or 23), as well as a Chivalry Today T-shirt; * Donate $100 to Chivalry Today and you’ll receive a family four-pack of three-day passes to the joust (good all three days, Oct. 21, 22, and 23) as well as Chivalry Today and Tournament of the Phoenix T-shirts. You can make a donation of any size by using the red Piggy Bank donation button on the right-hand side of your screen. Interview: Jennifer G. Wollock, Author of Rethinking Chivalry And Courtly Love One of the topics that almost always comes up when you’re talking about the code of chivalry, medieval literature, or the history of knighthood, is courtly love. Often associated with the tragic romance of Lancelot and Guenevere, courtly love is (more generally) defined as sense of passion and attraction between lover and beloved that overcomes obstacles and survives in spite of, or even because of, the impediments that keep lovers apart. Like the ideals of chivalry, the literature and customs of courtly love are often denounced by scholars as frivolous, decadent, unrealistic, and as a means of romanticizing the repressive social mores of a bygone era. Despite the fact that we’ve spent decades working toward gender equality in politics, family, education, and the workplace, that dynamic of chivalry and courtly love seems to have left a lasting mark on our cultural psyche – you can see its influence in works of literature ranging from Romeo & Juliet to the Twilight series. So is courtly love an archaic, outdated tradition that’ll be forever attached to the medieval notion of chivalry – or is it an archetypal, organic element of human behavior that reflects the natural patterns of courtship and mating. Where does courtly love come from, why is it such a persistent trope in art, literature, and pop culture, and is there any future for bold gentlemen, distressed damsels, and the customs of courtly love in the 21st century? In this episode, Scott speaks with author Jennifer G. Wollock to consider (or reconsider) the value of chivalry and courtly love. Purchase a copy of Rethinking Chivalry And Courtly Love published by Praeger press.

Podcast 53: Courtly Love – How Chivalry And Romance Got Together

The Summer Of Chivalry Podcast concludes with Part 2, as host Scott Farrell speaks with Prof. Steven Muhlberger, author of Deeds Of Arms, about a historical battle known as the Combat Of The Thirty Against Thirty , and a re-enactment of that famously chivalric event that will be put on as part of the SCA’s Pennsic War XXXX in Pennsylvania. Plus: An interview with Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, acting senior curator of manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum, about the exhibition Fashion In The Middle Ages, and the hidden code of medieval knightly clothing. Quicklinks — Use the links below to learn more about the events, publications, and activities featured in this podcast. * Get more information about the Pennsic War XXXX (July 29 to Aug. 14), where the Combat Of The Thirty will take place on Sunday, August 7, at 6 pm on the main battlefield; * Buy the book Deed Of Arms, an exploration of chivalry in Late Medieval battles and tournaments, by Prof. Steven Muhlberger; * Visitor information for the J. Paul Getty Museum, in Los Angeles, Calif., where the exhibition Fashion In The Middle Ages will be on display through Aug. 14. – admission to the museum is free; * Where are you going this summer? The beach, the amusement park, the campground? Wherever you’re vacationing, take along your Chivalry Today T-shirt, and post a picture of yourself in it at the Chivalry Today Facebook Page. (If you don’t have a T-shirt yet, you can get one by just making a $25 donation to the Chivalry Today Program using the button at the right. It will be shipped Priority Mail for free [in the U.S.] if you donate before Aug. 31.) Segment 1: The Combat Of The Thirty — Recreating A Chivalric Deed Of Arms Steven Muhlberger, History Professor at Nipissing University with a specialty in Ancient and medieval studies, is author of the book Deed Of Arms, and an authority on both medieval practices of chivalry, and practical interpretations of medieval military encounters (which is to say, he knows how to use a sword himself). Each year a reenactment of this medievally celebrated encounter is put on at The Pennsic War, a gathering of nearly 10,000 historical reenactors and enthusiasts in Slippery Rock, Penn., just north of Pittsburgh. There is a certain amount of prestige in being part of the Combat Of The Thirty reenactment: Only a select few (60 maximum!) participants are chosen, and each makes a commitment to appearing in the most authentic 14th century armor possible. Like show host Scott Farrell, Prof. Muhlberger has taken part in this event in years past, and he joins Scott to compare the reenacted Combat with its historical counterpart, and to discuss how the notion of chivalry works into both the medieval and the modern deed of arms. * Buy Deed Of Arms by Prof. Steven Muhlberger; * Read Prof. Muhlberger’s blog, Muhlberger’s World History * See more

Summer Of Chivalry Podcast: Part 2

In the first part of Chivalry Today’s Summer of Chivalry bonus podcast, host Scott Farrell speaks with Jared Kirby, president and organizer of the First Annual CombatCon – a gathering of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts enthusiasts which kicks off a variety of great summertime events. Plus: A conversation with Devon Kurtz, director of education at the Higgins Armory Museum, about their new exhibit called Castle Quest; and we invite you to tell us what you’re up to during this Summer of Chivalry on the Chivalry Today Facebook page! Quicklinks — Use the links below to learn more about the events and activities featured in this podcast episode * Make arrangements to attend the first annual CombatCon, June 24-26 in Las Vegas, Nevada; * Visit the Higgins Armory Museum to experience their Castle Quest; * Share your plans, photos, and videos of your Summer of Chivalry on our Facebook page. Segment 1: An Interview with Jared Kirby — Chivalry at CombatCon Scott interviews Jared Kirby, accomplished actor (he appeared in a recent production of Macbeth with the York Shakespeare Company), fight choreographer, and president and organizer of the first annual CombatCon to talk about historical European martial arts, Victorian stick fighting, Jedi knights, zombies, and steampunk fiction. What do all of these things have in common? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is: The code of chivalry. The spirit of romance, honor, and heroism is the underlying foundation of nearly all the events, presentations, and workshops that attendees will be enjoying at CombatCon. You can learn more about Jared Kirby’s impressive background in acting, fight arrangement, and directing at his website, The Art Of Combat. It’s not too late to make plans to attend CombatCon in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 24-26. The Tuscany Hotel is offering special weekend rates to CombatCon attendees. Segment 2: Castle Quest At The Higgins Armory Museum Scott is joined by Devon Kurtz, director of education and public programs at the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, Mass., to talk about the museum’s new exhibit Castle Quest, which opened just in time for Summer 2011 vacationers. The display gives visitors an opportunity to see life inside a medieval castle through the eyes of the people who call it home – from the knight and the lady to the stable hands, grooms, and archers. Castle Quest is just one of the engaging, interactive exhibits you’ll find when you visit the Higgins Armory Museum. You can find a full listing of the events and activities going on in the museum on the exhibits page of the Higgins website. The Higgins Armory Museum also offers courses and workshops in historical fencing and sword combat as part of their Academy of the Sword program. Sword-fighting enthusiasts and re-enactors who live on the West Coast (which is a bit far for commuting to the Higgins for lessons) might wish to join

Summer of Chivalry Podcast: Part 1

Scott examines chivalry’s place in the world of medieval fighting manuals and poleaxe dueling as he is joined by Christian Henry Tobler, European martial arts interpreter whose work is featured in a new DVD German Medieval Martial Arts Vol. 1: The Poleaxe, as they discuss how this brutal style of knightly combat reflects the medieval image of chivalry. Plus: Scott speaks with Kay Hymowitz, author of the book Manning Up: How The Rise of Women Has Turned Men Into Boys about maturity, responsibility and dating etiquette in today’s young men; a few rounds of Chivalry Jeopardy; and the conclusion of our 50×50 Podcast Support Drive. Quicklinks — Use the links below to learn more about the books and products mentioned in this podcast episode. * Buy German Medieval Martial Arts Vol. 1: The Poleaxe; * Buy a copy of Manning Up by Kay Hymowitz * Contribute to our Summer Of Chivalry support drive by using the red donate button on the right. Segment 1: Chivalry Jeopardy Scott challenges some preconceived notions about the ideals and practices of medieval chivalry with a game of Chivalry Jeopardy. He gives you a quotation having something to do with knights or chivalry, and you’ve got 30 seconds to decide whether the sentiment is authentic (that is, “historically accurate”) or bogus (which is to say, drawn from a source – a novel or movie – that presents a modern take on the code of chivalry). Although there is plenty of historical evidence that knights in the Middle Ages were rude, privileged and violent, you may be a bit surprised by some of these quotes, which indicate that not every medieval knight was a sociopathic bigot, and not all depictions of chivalry in modern times are as gentle and romantic as we might believe. Segment 2: A Dueling View Of Chivalry Scott is joined by author, scholar, and martial arts interpreter Christian Henry Tobler (pictured at right) to talk about medieval fighting manuals and the “chivalric” practice of fighting with a poleaxe. Christan has published several books on medieval combat, including Secrets of Medieval German Swordsmanship and In Saint George’s Name: An Anthology of Medieval German Fighting Arts. His new DVD, German Medieval Martial Arts Vol. 1: The Poleaxe, presents a practical look at combat techniques with this unusual, yet versatile Late Medieval weapon. Christian and Scott look at how this rather brutal style of martial art squares with the ideals of knightly chivalry. Learn More: Read Mr. Tobler’s work in this article, In Defense of Peter von Danzig, an analysis of a medieval fighting manual, presented on the Freelance Academy Press website. Below: A video documentary featuring Christian Tobler giving an introduction to the German sword combat and martial arts tradition. Below: How does all of this “martial arts” stuff really work? The following video shows a competitive challenge between Mr. Tobler and fellow maestro (and friend) Sean Hayes of the Northwest Fencing Academy – fought, appropriately, in true gentlemanly style and chivalric spirit. Want to learn the knightly skills of Historical European Martial Arts and sword combat?

Podcast 50: A Dueling View Of Chivalry

Podcast 49: Princess Culture and the Code of Chivalry

Scott explores “princess culture” with Peggy Orenstein, author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture as they discuss the icon of the princess in today’s media – from Barbie® and the Disney Princesses® to pink birthday cakes, boutique-edition Monopoly®, and beauty pageants for 5-year-olds – and consider how this emerging hyper-feminine image reflects (and distorts) the place of chivalry in today’s world. Plus: A gathering of medieval sword-fighting enthusiasts at the Fechtschule America 2011 in Dallas, Texas, studies the combative side of medieval chivalry and the art of defense. Quicklinks — Use the links below to learn more about the books and events mentioned in this podcast: * Buy Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein; * Sign up to attend the Fechtschule America 2011 Gathering; * Come to Chivalry Today’s Knight School sword fighting class; * Support the podcast by being part of the 50×50 Listener Support Drive. Segment 1: Cinderella, Princesses, and the Code of Chivalry Scott speaks with journalist and author Peggy Orenstein about her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Line of Today’s New Girlie-Girl Culture and how the hyper-feminine image of the princess in today’s world affects our understanding of relationships, gender roles, and the traditions of chivalry. Peggy’s insightful, wry, and ultimately pragmatic look at the commercialization of what was once a harmless little girls’ fantasy (every five-year-old plays at being a princess at some point … ) provides some interesting thoughts on the feminine ideal, dating expectations, and the subtly shifting intention behind chivalrous, gentlemanly manners. * Visit Peggy Orenstein’s website to read an excerpt from Cinderella Ate My Daughter, follow her blog, and find out more about her other books; * Read What’s Wrong With Cinderella in the Dec. 24, 2006 edition of the New York Times Magazine on-line. Segment 2: Fechtschule America 2011 – Chivalry On The Edge Scott is joined by Scott Brown, organizer and director of the Fechtschule America 2011 Conference, a gathering of medieval sword-fighting experts, historical fencing masters, and others interested in learning the arts of combat from the Age of Chivalry. A Fechtschule is an old European tradition in which local and visiting instructors would host traveling scholars to offer focused combat training, present skillful displays, and hold specialized tournaments to amuse and entertain excited spectators. Keeping with this tradition, Fechtschule America is an annual gathering of sword combat and Western martial arts enthusiasts from all over the globe – a long weekend full of seminars, demonstrations, and competitions to advance the study of medieval fighting arts. Learn more about the

Podcast 48: Chivalry And Swordsmen