Includes bibliographical references and index.

List of Illustrations -- Map: The realms of Aragon in the High Middle Ages -- Acknowledgements -- Genealogical table: The Arago-Catalan dynasty, thirteenth and fourteenth centuries -- Introduction -- Part One: The Chancery: The King's Memory, Voice, Justice, and Conscience -- 1: The Chancellor: Office and Official -- 2: The Chancery: Personnel, Procedure, Innovation -- 3: The King's Law: Royal Justice and Royal Administration -- 4: The Royal Chapel: Religious Regulations and the Ordering of the State -- Part Two: The Treasury: The King's Purse -- 5: Royal Finances and Financial Administration before 1283 -- 6: The Creation of Central Financial Offices -- Part Three: The Majordomo and the Household: The King's Body -- 7: The High Offices and Officials of the Household -- 8: The Needs of King and Court: Table, Lodging, Entertainment -- Conclusion -- Appendices: Palatine Ordinances -- Bibliography -- Index.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the Crown of Aragon was among the most active powers of the Mediterranean world. This volume examines the attempt by its ruling dynasty to 'rationalize' its court so as to expand the monarchy's ability to gather and deploy resources in support of royal ambitions. Because change in medieval institutions, however, is based as much on exigency and personality as on political theory and program, this volume also focuses on the way in which the processes of transformation functioned at a human level. The book explores the quotidian operations of the various bureaus of the court, as well as their social milieu, paying particular attention to the correlation between programmatic ideal and reality.

Description based on print version record.