Courtesy books were especially popular in England in thefifteenth-century, but though they were numerous in number, this particular example, A General Rule, is unique in that no other treatise corresponds to it closely. Translated from MS. Addl. 37969, it is a guide to manners and duties, including instructions on conduct and demeanour, plus many practical hints on how to serve a "lorde or mayster".
Also included are The Thirde Order of Seynt Fraceys and The Rewle of Sustris Menouresses - two medieval religious Rules, or handbooks.
Presented here, un-modernised, in their original form, these guides make fascinating reading and give true insight into the aspects of medieval life and manners.