The fourteenth and fifteenth centuries were a time of great upheaval for medieval France. In 1328 the Capetian line came to an end. This was the trigger for the Hundred Years War as successive English kings attempted to uphold their claim to the French throne. Catastrophic defeats at Crécy and Poitiers shook the French kingdom to its core. A period of respite followed under Bertrand du Guesclin, but an even more devastating assault was to follow, under the warrior-king par excellence Henry V, and the French disintegration continued until 1429. This book details how the French began a recovery, partly triggered by the young visionary Joan of Arc, that would end with them as the major European military power.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Glorious Angus McBride Plates:
The union of David Nicolle's knowledge of medieval military history and the late Angus McBride's great skill as an illustrator have produced a myriad of excellent Osprey titles, but for the plates alone I would claim this as one of my favorites. The plates portray all facets of the French military of the time, the knights, common soldiers, artillery, and mercenaries. Several famous (or infamous) characters of the Hundred Year's War, among them Jeanne d'Arc, Bertrand du Guesclin, and Jean de... more info
Lot of History Covered:
This book is a great overview of the period covered; however I think it was a bit over-industrious to sqeeze so much into one book (the normal Men-At-Arms size, that is). I think keeping it to the early period (up to Poitiers or Najera) and a separate one for the Agincourt/Joan of Arc period would've been better. McBride, master illustrator that he is, kind of disappointed me with his renditions of both du Guesclin and the Maid. Joan was shown in a dress! It still has good illustrations of the armor of the... more info
An Excellent Book:
This lavishly illustrated and meticulously researched Osprey Men-At-Arms book is a concise, yet informative study of the composition and tactics of French armies of the Hundred Years War. My only complaint is that the author has not gone to the same extent as Nicholas Michael (Armies of Medieval Burgundy, 1364-1477) in covering the compagnies d'ordonnances. Aside from this fault, this book is a great introduction to a subject that has long been neglected by Osprey publishing.
