Detailed comparison of the conduct of military affairs by the Black
Prince and the French King Jean II.
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, 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. 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. In contrast King Jean was impulsive, driven more by pride,
his sense of honor and personal objectives than strategic priorities.
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 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.
