‘It is remarkable how much information Michael Prestwich manages to include in his Short History. Fast-paced yet comprehensive narrative chapters are interspersed with illuminating discussions of subjects such as the composition and development of armies, changing battle tactics, diplomacy, chivalry and the balance-sheet on each side of profit and loss. All of this is illustrated with a telling array of statistics, entertaining anecdotes and judicious character sketches. Drawing on a lifetime of research into the conduct, logistics and implications of medieval warfare, Prestwich shows himself to be up to date with recent literature on the war and has the expert knowledge to challenge long-accepted but questionable assumptions. This is a complex story told with admirable clarity and is the ideal – manageable yet well-informed – volume to put in the hands of students, while also containing much that will make established scholars think again.’

– Chris Given-Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, University of St Andrews

‘A Short History of the Hundred Years War is a masterpiece of compression by one of our leading military historians.’

– Jonathan Sumption, author of The Hundred Years War volumes Trial by Battle, Trial by Fire, Divided Houses and Cursed Kings

‘Michael Prestwich’s introduction to the Hundred Years War can be very highly recommended. As a master of this complex history, he provides the reader with a brilliant narrative account. In addition, he offers sophisticated chapters on wider themes like military recruitment, logistics, chivalry and the economic impact of the war, all drawing upon the very latest scholarship and supported by short bibliographical essays that are worth the price of admission on their own.’

– Craig Taylor, Reader in Medieval History, University of York