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Hundred Years War. What should I read?

Hi. Next spring we’re going to spend a few days in London and then a couple of weeks working our way through to the south of France (Dordogne, Provence, Nice and surrounding areas). We’re working through Rick’s recommended books and movies of those areas but are hoping some of you would be willing to share books you’ve enjoyed.

I am particularly interested in a quality book about the Hundred Years War. If we covered this in school, I was not paying close enough attention and am trying to make up for it. Thanks in advance for your response!

Posted by
192 posts

You could start with Dan Jones’, Henry V. The book is very interesting and touches on the Battle of Agincourt.

Dan Jones has several history books in this time period. He’s an exceptional author.

Happy reading!

Posted by
1779 posts

Not specifically about the war as in battles, but if you are interested in a good biography of a couple of the era's major English players, I can recommend "The Eagle and the Hart" by Helen Castor (Richard II and Henry IV). It may be more helpful in understanding the succession of British Royalty than the Hundred Year's War, but I did get a more detailed picture of the era than I understood previously.

Eager to see what else is recommended for you! You might check recommended books on the Road Scholar tour itineraries also. I have found the suggestions quite helpful on more than one destination.

adding - I concur with the above recommendation as well!

Posted by
3143 posts

This page has a good short intro to how the Hundred Years War is entirely a historiographical construct, and several good recent book recommendations:

https://www.stuartellisgorman.com/blog/whats-in-a-name-defining-the-hundred-years-war

It rubs a little salt in my booboos when people leap to what this period meant for English royalty, since this is more about French and broader European history than it is about England. But of course we (here in the USA) tend to favor English-language sources and perspectives, understandably so.

To swim against that tide, consider looking into articles about the Guerra de los Dos Pedros, which was the Castilian–Aragonese War of 1356–1369, wherein some English nobles picked a side and helped redraw the map and alliances of Iberia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_the_Two_Pedros

Posted by
1779 posts

avirosemail - sorry if I offended you with a suggestion of a biography of Brit players in the Hundred Years War.

I actually hesitated to post the recommendation as the players covered in the book are only part of a bigger picture as you indicate. I attempted to indicate that. I went ahead with my post as I enjoyed the book and felt it worth the time for anyone vaguely interested. It has been well reviewed elsewhere as well.

Happy to remove the suggestion if you wish.

Posted by
3143 posts

No worries, ORDtraveler. You did couch that recommendation in the broader context.

Like most things, when it comes to history the more you look at it the messier it gets. ;-)

Posted by
22535 posts

Not specifically about the 100 Years War, bit from the French perspective, the origins. "A Distant Mirror" by Barbara Tuchman is a history of the 14th century centered on a French nobleman, Enguerrand VII de Coucy. He became a hostage in England after the English captured King Jean II of France after the Battle of Poitiers, and as a result, married the daughter of King Edward III of England.

Posted by
38 posts

These all sound wonderful. Thank you! I can’t wait to dig in.

I’m currently reading A Season for That by Steve Hoffman which was given to me as a gift. It’s enjoyable so far and a very light read. But, I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into some history. It always deepens my travels so I genuinely appreciate everyone’s input.