This isn't a novel with a plot. Instead, it's a collection of old instruction manuals for kids. Think of it as a time capsule of parenting advice from 600 years ago. Frederick James Furnivall, a scholar, gathered these poems and texts to show us how young nobles and students were taught to act.

The Story

There's no storyline. Each section is a different lesson. One poem might tell a young page not to stuff his mouth full of meat. Another seriously instructs a child on how to properly greet a lord, or how to sit still in church. It covers table manners, personal hygiene, respect for elders, and how to serve at a feast. The 'conflict' is basically the eternal struggle between adults and rowdy kids, but with a medieval twist.

Why You Should Read It

It's genuinely funny and humanizing. Reading these earnest, rhyming rules—'Bite not thy bread and lay it down'—makes medieval people feel less like distant figures in tapestries and more like parents just trying to get their kid to stop embarrassing them at a banquet. You see the universal anxieties of childhood training: don't be greedy, don't be rude, try to look presentable. The contrast between the lofty language and the very basic advice is where the charm lies.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone with a casual interest in history, social customs, or parenting. It's also great if you enjoy odd, primary-source material. It's not a long or difficult read. You'll breeze through it with a smile, and you'll definitely find a rule or two to quote at your next dinner party. A delightful little window into the everyday life of the past.