An authoritative and accessible survey of the European nobility over four centuries.

European nobility faced a number of religious, political and military challenges. Many sought to increase their status, or maintain their privileges, by negotia

The great strength of this collection is its wide range...a valuable work for anyone interested in the social aspects of the medieval nobility. CHOICE Articles

Jerzy Lukowski shows the pressures and tensions, both from below and from governments, which increasingly challenged traditional ruling groups in Europe during