Title Details
274 Pages
23.4 x 15.6 cm
11 b/w. 31 line.
Series: Warfare in History
Series Vol. Number:
32
Imprint: Boydell Press
In the Steps of the Black Prince
The Road to Poitiers, 1355-1356
- Description
- Reviews
The author has retraced on foot the routes taken by the Black Prince during the French campaigns of 1355-1356, enabling him to provide an entirely new dimension to the events.
In 1355 the Black Prince took an army to Bordeaux and embarked on two chevauchées (mounted military expeditions, generally characterised by the devastation of the surrounding towns and countryside), which culminated in hisdecisive victory over King Jean II of France at Poitiers the following year. Using the recorded itineraries as his starting point, the author of this book walked more than 1,300 miles across France, retracing the routes of the armies in search of a greater understanding of the Black Prince's expedition. He followed the 1355 chevauchée from Bordeaux to the Mediterranean and back, and that for 1356 from Aquitaine to the Loire, to the battlefield at Poitiers, and back again to Bordeaux. Drawing on his findings on the ground, a wide range of documentary sources, and the work of local historians, many of whom the author met on his travels, the book provides a unique perspective on the Black Prince's chevauchées of 1355 and 1356 and the battle of Poitiers, one of the greatest English triumphs of the Hundred Years War, demonstrating in particular the impact of the landscape on the campaigns.
Peter Hoskins is a former Royal Air Force pilot, now living in France. He combines his interest in exploration of his adopted country with his research into the Hundred Years War.
In 1355 the Black Prince took an army to Bordeaux and embarked on two chevauchées (mounted military expeditions, generally characterised by the devastation of the surrounding towns and countryside), which culminated in hisdecisive victory over King Jean II of France at Poitiers the following year. Using the recorded itineraries as his starting point, the author of this book walked more than 1,300 miles across France, retracing the routes of the armies in search of a greater understanding of the Black Prince's expedition. He followed the 1355 chevauchée from Bordeaux to the Mediterranean and back, and that for 1356 from Aquitaine to the Loire, to the battlefield at Poitiers, and back again to Bordeaux. Drawing on his findings on the ground, a wide range of documentary sources, and the work of local historians, many of whom the author met on his travels, the book provides a unique perspective on the Black Prince's chevauchées of 1355 and 1356 and the battle of Poitiers, one of the greatest English triumphs of the Hundred Years War, demonstrating in particular the impact of the landscape on the campaigns.
Peter Hoskins is a former Royal Air Force pilot, now living in France. He combines his interest in exploration of his adopted country with his research into the Hundred Years War.
"Hoskins's attention to detail brings the fourteenth-century chevauchées to life, allowing tantalising glimpses into the social and physical aspects at play among the men. This is an enjoyable and informative work." PARERGON
"An interesting contribution to our understanding of this crucial battle." HISTORYOFWAR.ORG
"An ideal stand-alone source, built around an excellent historical narrative, useful on the spot and, critically, good maps!" DESPATCHES
"The real value of this book.is in the wealth of details woven into Haskins's narrative. The constantly unfolding and changing landscape is skilfully depicted, informing the narrative analysis of strategic decisions taken." HOBILAR
"A fascinating study which enhances our understanding of the way chevauchées unfolded as well as impressing us even further with the qualities of the Black Prince and the resilience of his men. [...] It stands as a new and imaginative approach to the subject." H-FRANCE REVIEW
"This impressive study is based on Hoskins' personal knowledge of the landscape and local history, combined with the use of the chronicles and modern historical viewpoints. The author points out the difficult terrain and issues with logistical matters that impacted the expeditions. The work includes numerous photographs and maps indicating the path of the chevauchées. It is a fine addition to the literature on the Edwardian War." INTERNATIONAL HISTORY
"Well written and gives a lot of information. [...] All the essential information is there and the reader will gain insight into how the battle [of Poitiers] took place." MEDIEVAL WARFARE
"Hoskins' book is a valuable and insightful contribution to our knowledge of the road to Poitiers and the strategy of the medieval English chevauchée. His firsthand experience of the terrain, his understanding of tactics and strategy, and his careful use of the extant sources inform every page of the book, making In the Steps of the Black Prince a must for an historian of the Hundred Years War." DE RE MILITARI
"Another first-rate Boydell title. [...] I can think of few accounts of medieval warfare which read as well as this one." LONE WARRIOR
"Hoskins' book is the product of a fascinating exercise and the author's approach can be of considerable value when dealing with differences between sources." THE MEDIEVAL REVIEW
"Aided by fine maps this is a solid reconstruction of medieval warfare." CONNEXION
Paperback
9781843838746
September 2013
$36.95 / £24.99
Ebook (EPDF)
9781846159305
February 2011
$24.95 / £19.99
Ebook (EPUB)
9781782042174
February 2011
$24.95 / £19.99
Title Details
274 Pages
2.34 x 1.56 cm
11 b/w. 31 line.
Series: Warfare in History
Series Vol. Number:
32
Imprint: Boydell Press
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