BLACK PRINCE AND KING JEAN II OF FRANCE

What were the essential qualities for a military commander during the Hundred Years War? How important were strategic vision, tactical skill and powers of leadership in medieval warfare? These are the questions that Peter Hoskins explores in this perceptive study of the careers of Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince who led the English army to victory at the Battle of Poitiers and the opponent he defeated, the French King Jean II 'The Good'. Their contrasting characters and backgrounds are considered as is the military tradition of their time, but the primary focus of the book is a close comparison of their strengths and weaknesses as soldiers as they were revealed on campaign and on the battlefield. The Black Prince was one of the most admired generals of his generation, a charismatic leader, a shrewd tactician and strategist and a decisive commander. He was only 16 at the Battle of Crecy and 26 when he won his great victory at Poitiers. In contrast King Jean at eleven years older than Edward, was impulsive, driven more by pride, his sense of honour and personal objectives than strategic priorities. He was just 27 when he commanded the forces besieging Aiguillon. When he was put to the ultimate test at Poitiers he lost control of his army, while the Black Prince took the initiative personally to secure victory against the odds. Peter Hoskins analyses the command 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. Includes the Poitiers Campaign 1356 when Jean was defeated and Battle of Nájera 1367, the Sieges of Aiguillon 1346, the Black Prince's Chevauchee in the Languedoc 1355 and Normandy and Breteuil 1356 sieges. Colour illus. 17 maps, 208 pages.