The Hundred Years War

by Anne Curry

Although the term "Hundred Years War" was not coined until the 1860s, the Anglo-French conflicts of the later Middle Ages have long been of interest to historians. This book, now fully revised to take account of recent scholarship, explores the trends in historical opinion from the time of the wars to the present day. It provides a straightforward narrative of English involvement in France, placing the well known military events in their diplomatic context. By focusing on the treaties of 1259, 1360 and 1420, Anne Curry suggests that there was not one "hundred year war" but rather three separate yet linked conflicts, all with significant implications for the European scene as a whole.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2003

About the author

Anne Curry is Professor of Medieval History and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Southampton, after teaching for many years at the University of Reading. She has published many books and articles on the Hundred Years War, as well as definitive works on Agincourt itself and an on-line database of all known soldiers between 1369 and 1453 (www.medievalsoldier.org ). An historical advisor to the battlefield centres at Azincourt, Shrewsbury, and Bosworth, she is co-chair of the "Agincourt 600" committee, tasked with organizing the commemorations of the sixth hundredth anniversary of the battle. President of the Historical Association between 2008 and 2011, she is also a former Vice-President of the Royal Historical Society.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne Curry is a Professor of Medieval history at the University of Southampton, former editor of the Journal of Medieval History, and a specialist in the Hundred Years' War.
I read this book as a foundation for a course I am taking next month taught by Professor Curry entitled "Agincourt 1415: Myth and Reality." The Battle of Agincourt, in 1415, is one of the most famous battles in the history of warfare, and one of the most important and memorable English victories. It still captures the imagination today, but why are stories still told about Agincourt? And do these stories represent what really happened on the battlefield?

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense but lucid account of the conflicts now called the Hundred Years War that gives a good sense of scholarly understanding of the backgrounds, development and wider context.

[Josh Liller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for a bibliography essay for my Medieval England university class. It is a short book - 134 small pages. It reminded me of other short history books I've read that seem geared toward college students. There is a large historiography component and the rest of the book is very diplomatic/political-centric; Curry says in her introduction to file it under the topic of "International Relations". The size and narrow scope make for quick reading, but limited interest for me.