This “taut narrative” of the fourteenth-century conflict between England and France offers “a detailed, climactic account of a legendary battle” (Publishers Weekly). The epic fourteenth-century Battle of Poitiers marked a major turn in the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Prince Edward, known to all as the Black Prince, not only won a surprising victory in his first campaign as commander, but managed the nearly impossible feat of taking the French monarch, King Jean II, prisoner. In the summer of 1356, Prince Edward drove toward the Loire Valley, deep in French territory. There, he met the full French army led by King Jean and a number of French nobles, including veterans of the defeat at Crécy ten years before. Outnumbered, the Prince fell back, but in September, he turned near the city of Poitiers to make a stand. Historians Witzel and Livingstone provide a day-by-day description of the campaign of July to September 1356, climaxing with a vivid description of the Battle of Poitiers itself. The detailed account and analysis of the battle and the campaigns that led up to it has a strong focus on the people involved in the campaign: ordinary men-at-arms and noncombatants, as well as princes and nobles.

This study of Medieval military leadership offers a critical comparison of two great rivals of the Hundred Year War. Known to history as The Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock led the English army to victory at the Battle of Poitiers against the French King Jean II. With an illuminating analysis of these fourteenth century commanders, historian Peter Hoskins examines the importance of leadership, strategic vision, and tactical skill in medieval warfare. Paying close attention to their strengths and weaknesses as soldiers, both on campaign and on the battlefield, Hoskins also considers their contrasting characters and backgrounds as well as the military traditions of their time. The Black Prince was one of the most admired generals of his generation: a charismatic leader, decisive commander, and shrewd tactician and strategist. In contrast King Jean was impulsive, driven more by pride than by strategic priorities. When he was put to the ultimate test at Poitiers, Jean lost control of his army. Meanwhile, the Black Prince took the initiative personally to secure victory against the odds. Peter Hoskins analyses the leadership qualities of the prince and the king according to the principles of war enunciated by Sun Tzu and Vegetius as well as the modern principles of war of the United Kingdom armed forces. He gives readers a fascinating insight into the nature of command and the conduct of war in the Middle Ages.

The Life and Campaigns of the Black Prince is an invaluable collection of contemporary source material, seen through the eyes of the men involved.

Collection of Famous Men and Famous Women (Master Collection of 3 Books) The Best Combo Collection of All Time Bestseller Books of the An Anthology Contains: Great Men and Famous Women. Famous Men of Science. Famous Men of the Middle Ages.

John Henry Haaren introduces you to the illustrious figures who shaped the Middle Ages, where valor and virtue stood as beacons in turbulent times. Famous Men of the Middle Ages by John Henry Haaren: Journey through history with Famous Men of the Middle Ages by John Henry Haaren. This engaging and educational book introduces readers to the lives of notable figures from the medieval period, offering a compelling exploration of the events and personalities that shaped this pivotal era. Why This Book? John Henry Haaren's Famous Men of the Middle Ages is a captivating introduction to history, making the lives of medieval luminaries accessible to readers of all ages. It serves as an invaluable resource for students and history enthusiasts seeking to understand the key figures of this transformative period. John Henry Haaren, an educator and historian, leaves a lasting impact with this informative and engaging exploration of the Middle Ages.