Ballard, Richard England, France and Aquitaine. From Victory to Defeat in the Hundred Years War

This is a narrative history of England and France during the Hundred Years War, from the triumphs of Henry V to the defeat of the English and loss of Gascony and Bordeaux - a huge blow to English prestige and economic interest. This is a military history with technical detail, linked to high politics, courtly intrigue, dynastic ambition, and economic interest (wine trade and Bordeaux). The story revolves around the death of two Kings, Henry V of England, soon after his military triumphs, and Charles VI of France, in 1422. Both had historic claims to the "French fiefs". Henry was succeeded by Henry VI, and Charles was succeeded by Charles VII. The contrast could hardly have been greater between Richard, a diffident, scholarly and religious figure, in an age when kings were expected to be aggressive leaders and military commanders; and Charles - an able politician, soldier and, in modern parlance, a "hard man", who embodied the 15th century concept of kingship. Intermittent but constant warfare continued until English defeat in 1476 and the loss of Gascony and Bordeaux, and the Peace of Picquigny brought to an end a decisive episode in the Hundred Years War, foreshadowing England's future total withdrawal from France.

The story revolves around the deaths of two kings, Henry V of England, shortly after his military successes, and Charles VI of France in 1422, both of whom had historical claims to the 'French fiefdoms'. Henry V followed Henry VI, and Charles VI followed Charles VII. The contrast between Henry VI, a timid, scholarly and religious figure, at a time when kings were expected to be aggressive leaders and military commanders, could hardly have been greater. and Charles - a capable politician, soldier and, in modern parlance, a 'hard man' who epitomised the 15th century concept of kingship. The intermittent but constant warfare continued until the final defeat of England on French soil in 1476 and the loss of Gascony and Bordeaux. The Peace of Picquigny ended a decisive episode in the Hundred Years' War and foreshadowed England's complete withdrawal from the continent.