Poitiers

Poitiers by Hilaire Belloc delivers a vivid, authoritative account of the Battle of Poitiers and its pivotal role in the Hundred Years’ War. Belloc combines sharp narrative with analytical insight as he traces the campaign’s preliminaries, the terrain that shaped the clash, and the character and command decisions that determined its outcome. Rooted in meticulous research and illustrated by contemporary plans, this history examines the military tactics, political context, and the contrast between the leaders involved—especially the English forces operating under Edward’s leadership in Aquitaine. Belloc situates Poitiers alongside Crécy as twin summits of English success in the fourteenth century, exploring how geography, logistics, and medieval warfare doctrine influenced the action and its broader consequences for France and England. Written in an accessible yet scholarly tone, this military history clarifies complex maneuvers and illuminates the period’s political stakes without jargon. Ideal for listeners who love medieval history, military strategy, or the Hundred Years’ War, Poitiers offers a compact, engaging account that brings a decisive medieval battle and its lasting effects to life.