"Calling himself scribe and illuminator rather than writer and illustrator, Adkins sets out to debunk some common misconceptions about knights, and he does so with style and wit. Against the popular view of knighthood as 'a good life of outdoor fun and high deeds for dedicated heroes,' he places a realistic portrayal of an actual knight, Sir Guy of Wareham, an irritable fellow who must supervise and protect his peasants, satisfy his warlord's demands, pay his tithe to the Church, settle disputes, administer justice, and decide what to plant, when to harvest, and how to provide enough food and fuel for the winter. Light in approach but quite informative, the text ably explains the feudal system, the business of knighthood, and the origins of legends such as King Arthur and dragons, and also discusses castles, arms, and the Crusades. Throughout the book, colorful, detailed illustrations and captions provide information even as they open windows on the medieval world."—Booklist