Release date is 2004-03-01

Precautional -- The prologue -- The story of the sestina -- The story of the tenson -- The story of the rat-trap -- The story of the choices -- The story of the housewife -- The story of the satraps -- The story of the heritage -- The story of the scabbard -- The story of the Navarrese -- The story of the fox-brush -- The epilogue.

E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Joris Van Dael, Susan Lucy, and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders

"Chivalry: Dizain des Reines" by James Branch Cabell is a historical novel written in the early 20th century, known for its lush prose and rich character development. It explores themes of romantic idealism, duty, and the complex interplay of power within the context of chivalric codes. The opening tales weave through the lives and loves of women intertwined with notions of nobility, honor, and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to Dame Alianora of Provence, who is portrayed in a moment of vulnerability following the death of a companion. As she seeks assistance, her conversation reveals her strong-willed nature and the intricate political machinations of the time. Her past is brought to light through discussions with a former troubadour, Osmund Heleigh, who once celebrated her beauty in verse. They embark on a perilous journey across England, highlighting Alianora's commitment to her son and her resilience despite the dangers surrounding her. The initial chapters establish a tone of poetic melancholy, hinting at the intertwining of love, ambition, and the stark realities of their tumultuous world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified