A Brief History of the Hundred Years’ War

For more than 100 years, England repeatedly invaded French territory, using its king’s claim to the French throne as an excuse. France was a vast but difficult-to-control kingdom, while England was small and poor. Yet for much of the war, England dominated the fighting, capturing cities and winning victory after victory, including the great victories at Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. But within little more than 20 years of Joan of Arc’s appearance, the tide of war swiftly turned in France’s favor, and the conflict ended with France reclaiming all its continental territories except Calais.

The leading figures in this war were all legendary figures in European history: Edward III, the Black Prince, Henry V, John II, Charles V, Joan of Arc, and Charles VII. Through their greed or virtue, courage or cunning, they together composed an epic of iron and blood. Political, military, and agricultural transformations emerged one after another during this period, and English and French nationalism also took root.

In concise, polished prose, the author guides readers through the complex and far-reaching historical events of the Hundred Years’ War. Tracing the changes that ultimately brought France victory, the author vividly recreates the intrigue and drama of the medieval European epic, painting a captivating portrait of medieval warfare.