The Hundred Years War - Desmond Seward

Over the past two years, I have read quite voraciously, and have managed to fill in some of the gaps in my knowledge of European history.  One area which had somehow eluded my grasp had been the Hundred Years' War.  I possessed a rudimentary awareness of Agincourt, Henry V, Joan of Arc, and so on, but had not gone into the finer points.  Desmond Seward's excellent book, A Brief History of The Hundred Years War, has enabled me to rectify this.

This is of course an enormously broad subject, but Seward succeeds in condensing things into digestible form, while still giving the appearance of thoroughness.  The tale is presented in chronological order, with the chapters sensibly corresponding roughly to the prime of the reign of certain English and French monarchs.

The richness of the story is augmented by the use of quotations from the contemporary reports and chronicles, delivered in the language and prhaseology of the day.

I approached this book with an open mind, but was quite shocked and disturbed at how brutally and mercilessly the combatants behaved in pursuing their objectives, including with regard to their treatment of civilians.  Both sides were culpable, but the English especially seem to have displayed few scruples.  The avarice and amorality of the participants is also strongly depicted.  Henry V in particular does not emerge as a very likeable figure. Different times, I accept, but the descriptions of some of the atrocities committed are enough to chill the blood.

The author, from my standpoint, slightly downplays the military and strategic importance of Agincourt, and also has a more nuanced interpretation of Joan of Arc's role than what I suspect is usually offered.

The final chapters deal with the swing in the pendulum away from the English and towards France, and the slow but sure decline in the fortunes of the former. The financial woes of the English are detailed, as are the advances in military technology which gave France some of its ascendancy as matters approached their conclusion.

Also covered towards the end of the book are the recriminations, and assorted rebellions and insurrections, which followed the English loss of territory and prestige.

I found this to be a very enjoyable and informative book. Presented in a jaunty, readable, non-confrontational style, it is well pitched, appealing to casual readers, but also I would suggest containing sufficient detail and analysis to attract keen students of its subject.