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Description
[LITERATURE]
VERDY DU VERNOIS. (Adrien Marie François de)
Research into Ancient and Modern Carrousels, followed by a Proposal for Equestrian Games modelled on the tournaments of chivalry of old. In which the benefits to the nobility of reviving these games—once the training ground for skill and valour—are demonstrated.
S.L. [Cassel]. 1784.
Small 8vo. Half sheepskin binding, slightly faded. Small tears on the spine (2 cm), in the upper part of the front cover.
This work deals with the origins of the carousel. From Roman circuses to medieval cavalry, the carousel, as a tournament, is described (pp. 37–107) in its various forms and with its participants, including the arrangement of the audience. This is followed (pp. 108–155) by an account of the modern revival of these games. The riders would gallop in a circle whilst throwing balls to one another, an activity requiring great skill and perfect mastery of horsemanship. This game was introduced to Europe during the Crusades, blending ancient Byzantine and Arab traditions. The word ‘carousel’ derives from the Italian *garosello* and the Spanish *carosella* (‘little battle’, a term used by the Crusaders to describe a combat training exercise and a game played by Turkish and Arab knights in the 12th century). It was essentially a cavalry training system that prepared and strengthened knights for actual combat by having them wield their swords against simulated enemies. In the 17th century, the balls were abandoned and the knights had to throw and catch small rings suspended from poles above their heads. These chivalric spectacles, which replaced medieval jousting, were popular in Italy and France.
Adrien Marie François, Chevalier de Verdy du Vernois (1738–1814), was in the service of the Count of Artois before the Revolution. He subsequently became chamberlain to the King of Prussia. He settled in Germany and became a member of the Berlin Academy. He is best known for his manuals on the art of war.
See original version (French)
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ID: 89135367
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