This book provides an overarching, comprehensive analysis of the French military in the medieval period. The focus is on the armies of the French monarchy and the lands close around them, extending from the Low Countries to Provence. Central themes include recruitment and payment; military organisation; leadership, strategy, and tactics; weapons and arms; chivalry, military culture, and the rise of military professionalism.

Table des matières

Introduction

Chapter 1: Technology and Warfare

Chapter 2: The Emergence of France

Chapter 3: French Monarchical Power in Context

Chapter 4: Warfare in France to 1066

Chapter 5: A Clash of Dynasties, 1066–1180

Chapter 6: Philip II and the Rise of France

Chapter 7: The Expansion of France

Chapter 8: St. Louis and the Apogee of French Power

Chapter 9: The Problems of Power

Chapter 10: Perspectives on the Army of the Kings of France

Bibliography

Appendix: A Note on Sources

John France
John France works on the history of warfare and crusading. His work has been funded by the British Academy, the Leverhulme Trust, and the Lawrence of Arabia Trust. He has undertaken field work in Italy, France, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. He is author of numerous books including Perilous Glory: The Rise of Western Military Power (2011); The Crusades and the Expansion of Catholic Christendom 1000–1714 (2005); Western Warfare in the Age of the Crusades 1000–1300 (1999); Victory in the East: a Military History of the First Crusade (1994).