According to legend, Blondel - a twelfth-century troubadour and Richard's faithful minstrel - journeyed across central Europe singing a song he knew Richard would recognize in hope of finding the king. Truly a king's ransom - one quarter of the entire wealth of England - was paid by Richard's powerful mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, to secure his release.' 'In chronicling one of the most storied incidents in medieval history, The Troubadour's Song opens a new window on the turbulent late twelfth century, when the realities of violence and geopolitics were juxtaposed against chivalric ideals, courts of love, and unparalleled tolerance. Trying to make his way home in disguise, he was arrested and handed over to Henry VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, who held him for ransom. 'On his way back from the Third Crusade in 1192, Richard the Lionheart, one of England's most famous and romantic kings, was shipwrecked and stranded near Venice. Richard's prison song : written in captivity, Summer 1193 The legend of Blondel - The courts of love - The Age of Light - Paris and Jerusalem - Acre - Setting sail - Disguise - Blondel's song - Prison - A king's ransom - The return of the King - The very last day of chivalry - The legend of Blondel, reprise - Appendix.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 343-351) and index

The Troubadour's Song by David Boyle