Contemporary documents and classic studies follow Edward's fortunes on
the battlefield, from failure against the Scots to major military
successes in France.
This collection of sources and interpretations lays bare the truth about
the wars of Edward's reign... Professor Rogers has provided a valuable
service to scholars, students and general readers alike in bringing
together this fascinating collection. MATTHEW BENNETT
When Edward III came to the throne of England in 1327, England's
military reputation had reached a low ebb. The young king's first
campaign against the Scots was a complete failure, and the next year the
"shameful peace" set the seal on Robert Bruce's victory in the First
Scottish War of Independence. Twenty-two years later, however, King Jean
II of France and King David II of Scotland were both prisoners in
London, an English army was camped outside Paris, and Edward was widely
considered the most skilful warrior in the world.
Clifford Rogers uses contemporary documents (campaign bulletins,
administrative documents, and excerptsfrom 29 different chronicles) to
tell the story of the battles, sieges, and chevauchées that produced
this remarkable reversal - and the subsequent restoration of French
fortunes under Du Guesclin and Charles V. The majority of the texts
employed have never before been translated into modern English (and a
number have never been published before in any language). Complementing
these primary source materials are eight classic articles covering the
ScottishWars, the outbreak of the Hundred Years War, the recruitment,
organisation and supply of English armies, English strategy and war
aims, and the war's impact on French society and on the development of
Parliament in England. Together, they provide a complete introduction to
the topic.
Professor CLIFFORD ROGERS teaches at the United States Military Academy
at West Point.
