A TOURNAMENT OF KNIGHTS

by Joe Lasker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1986

In the superb tradition of Merry Ever After, Lasker brings us a sensitive, newlynamed knight who debuts at a tourney sponsored by his father. Honor and pride ride on the result. Justin and his challenger, Roll, an older knight-errant, appear evenly matched: Justin has the ""movement and lightness of youth,"" Rolf the ""age and scars. . .the advantage of experience."" Smoothly interweaving the events and customs of a tourney with a smart focus on family relations, Lasker plunks us into medieval times and keeps us there, mesmerized. We patiently stand for two hours while armor is put on, get crunched in the noisy collision of a melee, and worry whether Justin will be able to meet the challenge. In his introduction, Lasker compares medieval tournaments with today's violent sports. As a dividend this fine book may spark thoughtful discussion about the insistent nature of the human struggle as seen in modern family quests for honor and glory. Richly colored, authentically detailed illustrations augment the text.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1986

Categories: CHILDREN'S