G. P. R. James 
History of Chivalry 

Today, the term "chivalry" has come to refer to small acts of kindness typically performed by a man toward a woman, such as opening a car door or offering up one’s coat on a chilly evening. But in the medieval period, chivalry was a complex code of behavior that governed virtually every aspect of life. In this comprehensive volume, historical writer G. P. R. James provides a detailed account of the development and practice of chivalry.