Let's clear something up right away: this isn't a novel. Caxton's Book of Curtesye is a piece of social history wrapped in a Victorian package. Frederick James Furnivall, a founder of the Early English Text Society, discovered and published a 15th-century instructional poem. The original text was likely used to teach young boys in noble households the intricate rules of medieval manners.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. Instead, the 'story' is the rulebook itself. Imagine a master sitting a young servant down and explaining his world. The advice covers everything: don't stare at your lord, don't scratch yourself at the table, offer the best cuts of meat to those above you, and always keep your nails clean. It's a complete blueprint for how to navigate a rigidly hierarchical society without causing offense or getting into trouble.

Why You Should Read It

It's utterly absorbing because it makes the past feel real and human. You're not reading about kings and battles; you're reading about a kid being told not to spit or gossip. The concerns are mundane, which makes them relatable, even if the solutions are centuries old. It highlights how the idea of 'being good' has changed dramatically. What we consider basic hygiene or common decency was once a formal code you had to memorize.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history lovers who enjoy the quirky details of everyday life, or for anyone curious about how societies build their rules of behavior. It's a quick read, more of a long article than a book, but it packs a punch. You'll never look at a medieval banquet scene in a movie the same way again. Just don't go in expecting a sweeping drama—the drama here is all about not dropping your bread in the soup.