The Black Prince

"Richard Barber's biography of this leading figure of the medieval period has dominated the field since it was first published, covering all aspects of the Black Prince's life and military career. Son of Edward III, and father of Richard II, Edward the Black Prince was one of the most successful English commanders in the Hundred Years War, who won victories on the battlefields of Crecy and Poitiers. In this readable historical biography of the legendary warrior, Barber brings to life one of the great eras of medieval England, and a man who was the victor of three great battles and a model of chivalry and courtesy. Based on official records, particularly of Edward's own household and of those who campaigned with him, this work aims to get behind the familiar splendid vision of chivalry to reveal the realities of his character and of the life that he led. The author also seeks to correct a number of minor but persistent errors in earlier histories, deriving from Froissart, and examines how the legend of the Black Prince - including his curious nickname - came into being."--BOOK JACKET.