As a Black Prince on Bloody Fields

by Thomas W Jensen

[viking2917]

(disclaimer: I'm good friends with the author.) Before the stunning British victory at Agincourt came the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, equally unlikely but devastating victories for the British in the Hundred Years War. The architect of these victories was Edward, known as the Black Prince.

Ever wonder how a sensitive, inquisitive young boy turns into one of the greatest warriors and military leaders of the medieval era? As a Black Prince tells the story of Edward from when he was a young boy, growing into a young man and winning the battle of Crécy at the tender age of 16. He would go on to win the battle of Poitiers, capturing the French King, at the age of 26.

As a Black Prince on Bloody Fields captures all the terror and glory of medieval battles. The book is quite historically accurate, but never becomes pedantic in the way of many historical novels. The battle scenes and tactics are rendered accurately and accessibly. What I found distinguishes this book from others of its genre is the way it truly humanizes the people in the story. I really loved Fitzalan, something of a minor character but one of Edward's trainers - cantankerous but honorable, hard as nails but occasionally soft on the inside....all the other characters are equally enjoyable. Most historical fiction characters are cardboard cutouts, but every single character in the book is memorable and unique. The portrayal of the budding teen age romance between Edward and Joan the Fair Maid of Kent is pitch-perfect in it's capture of the insecurities, confusion and emotional swings of young love.

Edward's early training with hawks and tournaments as a boy in the book reminds me favorably of Arthur's training in The Once and Future King. There's too many great scenes to recount here, but if you love Bernard Cornwell or Mary Renault, you will really enjoy this book, it compares very favorably to their books.