Friendship in the Middle Ages carried a meaning far removed from the modern concept of a development of personal sympathies between individuals. It was cultivated formally and implied obligations and bonds of mutual support. In a society where, for example, party politics did not exist, friendship had a clear role in the formation of social networks and political organisation. Friendship was a social institution of the first importance and enjoyed a central role in political thought." "This volume brings together for the first time the work of scholars who in recent years have pioneered the study of friendship and friendship networks, and sets new analysis by these established authors alongside the research of younger academics. Friendship in Medieval Europe demonstrates the role of friendship as a social institution with a direct impact on social and political life, and thereby offers a valuable new approach to understanding the social and political circumstances of medieval Europe.