I’m not a military historian, but I found this book readable and informative at the same time. Its not just a dry account of military formations and tactics. Rather it manages to be interesting enough to hold the attention of the general reader, and technical enough for anyone into military history.

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Amazon Customer, Grumpy Historian

The Black Prince and King Jean II is an enjoyable narrative history with some cogent analysis of command in the Hundred Years’ War. His clear writing makes it easy to follow Hoskins through a complex period, and the double-sided biographical introduction is a clever way to lead into the heart of this study.

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Beating Tsundoku

"Compelling study of medieval generalship."

Military History

Review by Jason Hubbard

It’s a well researched and well written book, that takes a fascinating in-depth look at the two leaders of the day, a very good insight into military command during the Medieval period in Europe. I found it an interesting book to read, but at the time of reading knew it wouldn’t appeal to everyone.

If you have an interest in military leadership and history then this is definitely a book you should pick up.

Irregular Magazine | Spring Issue 2021

The Black Prince was a great leader and this is a book that investigates his way of commanding in battle, but also his charisma as a leader of men. Jean II instead was a king (unlike the Black Prince who died before his father Edward III) with many defects, but also merits such as military reforms that created a permanent army for France, with the result of the final victory (after many battles and bloodshed) in 1453 in Castillon. Hoskins, with a very easy to read and engaging book, examines the two personalities satisfactorily. The same maps illustrating the clashes are very well made.

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Omne Ignotum Pro Magnifico

I have always enjoyed reading about the Black Prince, and this book was no exception. I felt that we were shorted in history, and this book just reaffirms that. I believe that we would have seen ever greater things from him had he lived longer.

History lovers will LOVE this book! It is full of rich detail, easy to read, and breathes life back into the Edward, or as we refer to him, the Black Prince, giving us more on his relationship with the French King. Absolute must read! With their advantages and disadvantages on the battlefield, tactics play into this book, and for those who enjoy military history and the maneuvering of armies, this book will keep you glued to your seat.

NetGalley, Rebecca Hill

Great for those who have an interest in military history or the Hundred Years War.

NetGalley, Alexandra Roth

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My degree is in history with a particular focus on the Black Prince,. I really enjoyed this book, it was well written, accessible and clearly researched. An excellent addition to my library, thank you.
I highly recommend this one.

NetGalley, Rebecca B

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a delightful read. I loved how much information there was. The author was very thorough. I like that the book was easy to read and I was able to read it quickly. Since I did not know much about King Jean II and the Black Prince it was very informative.

NetGalley, Alicia Wolf

I really enjoyed this book I have often wanted to know more about the black prince and I found this very well written.

NetGalley, Shelly Myers

The author explains the differing conditions that influenced the decisions taken by The Black Prince and Jean II. Clearly both were constrained by the constant issues that limit all military and political actions; logistics, resources and will. That The Black Prince did rather well in the Languedoc and in the Poitiers campaign demonstrated his experience, attitude and his acceptance that he needed to provoke to get the French to engage in battle. It is fairly easy to find more modern interpretations of each of their actions that fit the basic Sun Zu/ Clausewitz tenets in current leadership theory and the section in the book that expands this is very useful. The location maps are good and add to the descriptions of the campaigns.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy