Description
Book SynopsisDetailed account and analysis of a major event of the Hundred Years War, stressing the logistical efforts behind the fighting. On 19 September 1356 Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince, and his Anglo-Gascon army defeated Jean II of France at the Battle of Poitiers. The victory was the culmination of an expedition which had begun in England in 1355, and saw the successful undertaking of the so-called "grande chevauchée" - which depended on a system of purveyance and recruitment in England, in addition to an efficient supply train which accompanied the army. This book examines in detail the efficient and effective logistics that drove that success; it also shows the powerful connection between tactics and strategy on the one hand, and geography, human topography, and the need for food, water and rest, on the other. MOLLIE M. MADDEN holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota.
Trade ReviewMadden has provided a landmark study . . . built on intensive use of the available sources and a clear, well-reasoned and ultimately persuasive thesis: as an exhaustive, empirical account of military procedures in action, it commands respect and deserves careful reading. * DE RE MILITARI *
Madden adds to the existing historiography of the Black Prince's expeditions, providing a valuable service in highlighting the extent to which the strategy of the Hundred Years War-like all military strategy throughout history-was shaped and determined by the demands of supply, and the difficulties of keeping an army fed on the march through enemy territory. -- Andy King * Journal of British Studies *
[A] useful addition to the field of medieval military history, and an original one as well. . . . [T]his book makes a powerful and well-supported statement about logistics and its significance to the study of tactics, strategy, and even politics,and we can only hope Madden's line of inquiry and method to be expanded beyond the strict context of the Black Prince's chevauchée. * SPECULUM *
Table of ContentsIntroduction The Preparations for the Chevauchée: England's Existing System of Purveyance A Competent Military Force: England's Existing System of Recruitment The Campaign to Narbonne: An Efficient System of Supply The Return to Bordeaux: A Test of Endurance After the Campaign Conclusion Appendix 1: Ships of the Prince's Fleet Appendix 2: Edward of Woodstock's Army Appendix 3: The Prince's March Appendix 4: Financial Tables Bibliography Index
