Crécy: Battle of Five Kings
A review of Michael Livingston’s astonishing book on The 1346 Battle of Crécy, ‘one of the most famous and widely studied military engagements in history.’
"Crécy: Battle of Five Kings" is nothing short of revelatory, delving deep into the layers of history and consequently challenging established historical narratives head on.
The renowned Battle of Crécy in August 1346, which served as a crucial starting point for the Hundred Years' War between England and France, is often isolated in popular memory for specific heroic deeds or perceived folly. Livingston in Crécy: Battle of Five Kings is wholly unafraid to test these entrenched perspectives outright with meticulous research and his own personal visits to the battle site. His narrative not only sheds new light on the events of Crécy but also exposes the inaccuracies that have persisted in historical analysis until now, offering readers a fresh and enlightening perspective on this pivotal moment in medieval warfare.
Crécy is a testament to Livingston’s expert and passionate research, providing an informative discourse in an incredibly entertaining and accessible writing style. The authors attention to detail and thorough understanding of military tactics seamlessly guides us through the complex world of 14th-century warfare, painting vivid pictures of its reality along the way. Indeed, particularly striking throughout is his ability to bring the human dimension of conflict to life. Time and again, Livingston details events as they would have been, with the opening chapters for example, eloquently describing the French herald Colins de Beaumont amidst the detritus of war, forced to sift through bodies and equipment to ascertain the toll of battle. This poignant image offers a glimpse into the human reality of war – Colins is a real person, his own contemporary poetry providing us rich source material from which to piece together the story of Crécy . The human reality is often overlooked in traditional historical texts, yet Crécy offers something different: the in-depth research leaps from the pages whilst simultaneously immersing readers in the 14th-century world.
The Battle of Crécy from a 15th-century illuminated manuscript of Jean Froissart’s ‘Chronicles’. Source: Wikipedia.
The book offers a captivating blend of historical detective work, appealing to both seasoned historians and newcomers to the subject alike. With a meticulous research approach that never feels overwhelming, Livingston encourages readers to approach history as a quest for truth inviting critical analysis and remaining aware of but not limited by his own bias. Through exceptional detective work akin to solving a cold case, the author unveils new perspectives on the Battle of Crécy, prompting readers to reconsider their understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
With an underlying chronological structure, Livingston methodically dissects the lead-up to the Battle of Crécy, emphasising its importance in understanding the conflict. He delves into the geopolitical landscape, exploring the actions and reactions of key players, which should ultimately shape any subsequent perspectives on the battle tactics employed at Crécy. Through a detailed background narrative, readers are introduced to the central figures, such as Edward III and Philip VI, providing insight into their motivations and stakes in the impending battle. Livingston skillfully unveils the intricate dynamics between the opposing forces in the days and years preceding the conflict, shedding light on the perilous dance that sets the stage for the dramatic events of 1346. This comprehensive approach enriches our understanding of the historical context; by understanding the individuals we are better placed to understand their actions later and indeed challenge commonly held views of them.
Remarkably, Crécy embarks on a comprehensive re-evaluation of the traditional narrative surrounding the Battle of Crécy, drawing from vital historical sources that have long been overlooked or dismissed. The results of this inquiry are nothing short of astounding. By challenging decades-old narratives, the author illuminates previously unaccounted-for contradictions and inconsistencies, dismantling the widely accepted "vulgato" narrative. Livingston sheds light on the human motivations and complexities behind the legendary figures of the Black Prince, the King of Bohemia, and Philip VI to name a few. But rather than portraying them as mere archetypes of heroism or folly, the book underscores the inherent rationality (or indeed irrationality) behind their actions, offering a nuanced and compelling reinterpretation of the events at Crécy. Sorry to break it to you, but the Black Prince wasn't the total hero you thought he was. Philip wasn't a fool. The battle didn’t take place where the signposts will have you believe it did. This revisionist approach not only offers crucial insights into the battle but also exposes the shortcomings of past historical analyses.
In essence, the book's revision of traditional thought on Crécy is revelatory and utterly convincing, presenting readers with a fresh perspective on this seminal moment in history. It is an absolute must read for anyone with an interest in medieval history.
We’d like to thank Osprey publishing for providing us with the opportunity to review this book.