Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first book devoted exclusively to the history of ''The Great Companies'', an assembly of mercenaries drawn from different European countries who came together to fight in the second half of the 14th century, sometimes in the employ of kings, the pope, princes or city republics, but frequently fighting on their own account.
Trade Review"This book will surely stand as the standard history of the companies for generations to come"
American Historical Review "Fowler provides a thoroughly researched ... examination of military politics." CHOICE
"If readers desire the details of a ten year period in which mercenary companies conducted a reign of terror west of the Rhine and north of the Alps, they will not do better than this account." Journal of Military History
"This book is solidly based on archival research. Fowler has consulted manuscript sources in depositories ranging from Perugia to Edinburgh ... This enables him to assemble, for the first time, a detailed and accurate picture of the movement of bodies of men whose military prowess played an important role in virtually every major sector of combat in this highly confused decade ... anyone working on this central phase of the Hundred Years War will have to consult this study ..." History
"This book draws upon several decades of work and utilizes the entire range of evidence available: modern scholarship, and printed and manuscript sources. This book will surely stand as the standard history of the companies for generations to come. Frequent, excellent, full-page maps help greatly." Book Review Digest
Table of ContentsList of Maps and Plans.
Preface.
Abbreviations.
1. Dramatis Personae.
2. An Elusive Peace.
3. From Brignais to Launac.
4. Seguin de Badefol in Auvergne.
5. The Navarrese Imbroglio.
6. Crusading Projects.
7. Castles in Spain.
8. The Prince's Intervention.
9. The Return North.
10. A Provencal Interlude and a Sicilian Marriage.
11. The Sardinian Proposals and the Drama of Montiel.
12. Pontvallain.
Glossary.
Note on Money.
Appendix A: Documents.
Appendix B: Tables of Captains.
Appendix C: The Numerical Strength of the Companies.
Appendix D: Forces Recruited by the Duke of Anjou in 1369.
Appendix E: The Death of Sir Robert Birkhead in 1368 and the Supposed Death of Sir Robert Cheyney at Olivet.
Sources and Bibliography.
Index.
