Overview

The conflict that swept over France from 1337 to 1453 remains the longest military struggle in history. A bitter dynastic fight between Plantagenet and Valois, The Hundred Years War was fought out on the widest of stages while also creating powerful new nationalist identities. In his vivid new history, Michael Prestwich shows that it likewise involved large and charismatic individuals: Edward III, claimant to the French throne; his son Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince; wily architect of the first French victories, Bertrand du Guesclin; chivalric hero Jean Boucicaut; inspirational leader Henry V, unlikely winner at Agincourt (1415), who so nearly succeeded in becoming King of France; and the martyred Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc, thought to be divinely inspired. Offering an up-to-date analysis of military organization, strategy and tactics, including the deadly power of English archery, the author explains the wider politics in a masterful account of the War as a whole: from English victory at Sluys (1340) to the turn of the tide and French revival as the invader was driven back across the Channel.

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9781788311380

Table of Contents

Reviews

`It is remarkable how much information Michael Prestwich manages to include in his Short History. Fast-paced yet comprehensive narrative chapters are interspersed with illuminating discussions of subjects such as the composition and development of armies, changing battle tactics, diplomacy, chivalry and the balance-sheet on each side of profit and loss. All of this is illustrated with a telling array of statistics, entertaining anecdotes and judicious character sketches. Drawing on a lifetime of research into the conduct, logistics and implications of medieval warfare, Prestwich shows himself to be up-to-date with recent literature on the war and has the expert knowledge to challenge long accepted but questionable assumptions. This is a complex story told with admirable clarity and is the ideal - manageable yet well-informed - volume to put in the hands of students, while also containing much which will make established scholars think again.' - Chris Given-Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, University of St Andrews, `A Short History of the Hundred Years War is a masterpiece of compression by one of our leading military historians.' - Jonathan Sumption, author of `The Hundred Years War' volumes Trial by Battle, Trial by Fire, Divided Houses and Cursed Kings, `Michael Prestwich's introduction to the Hundred Years War can be very highly recommended. As a master of this complex history, he provides the reader with a brilliant narrative account. In addition, he offers sophisticated chapters on wider themes like military recruitment, logistics, chivalry and the economic impact of the war, all drawing upon the very latest scholarship and supported by short bibliographical essays that are worth the price of admission on their own.' - Craig Taylor, Reader in Medieval History, University of York

`It is remarkable how much information Michael Prestwich manages to include in his Short History. Fast-paced yet comprehensive narrative chapters are interspersed with illuminating discussions of subjects such as the composition and development of armies, changing battle tactics, diplomacy, chivalry and the balance-sheet on each side of profit and loss. All of this is illustrated with a telling array of statistics, entertaining anecdotes and judicious character sketches. Drawing on a lifetime of research into the conduct, logistics and implications of medieval warfare, Prestwich shows himself to be up-to-date with recent literature on the war and has the expert knowledge to challenge long accepted but questionable assumptions. This is a complex story told with admirable clarity and is the ideal - manageable yet well-informed - volume to put in the hands of students, while also containing much which will make established scholars think again.' - Chris Given-Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, University of St Andrews, `A Short History of the Hundred Years War is a masterpiece of compression by one of our leading military historians.' - Jonathan Sumption, author of `The Hundred Years War' volumes Trial by Battle, Trial by Fire, Divided Houses and Cursed Kings

Author Information

Michael Prestwich, OBE, is Emeritus Professor of History and a former Pro-Vice Chancellor at Durham University. His many books include Plantagenet England, 1225-1360 (2005); Knight: The Medieval Warrior's (Unofficial) Manual (2010); Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages: The English Experience (1996); English Politics in the Thirteenth Century (1990); The Three Edwards: War and State in England, 1272-1377 (1980); and War, Politics and Finance under Edward I (1972).

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