Product Description

Edward, Prince of Wales and Aquitaine, known as the Black Prince, is one of the legendary figures of English history-the victor of three great battles and a model pf chivalry and courtesy. Based on official records, particularly of Edward's own household and of those who campaigned with him, this work aims to get behind the familiar splendid vision of chivalry to reveal the realities of his character and of the life that he led. Special attention has been paid not only to the confusing and confused accounts of the great battles, but also to the prince's early years, the close companions who contributed so greatly to his success, and his government of Aquitane-an obscure but important part of his career. The author also seeks to correct a number of minor but persistent errors in earlier histories, deriving from Froissart, and examines how the legend of the Black Prince - including his curious nickname-came into being. Richard Barber's biography of this leading figure of the medieval period, has dominated the field since it was first published, covering all aspects of the Black Prince's life and military career. Son of Edward III, and father of Richard II, Edward the Black Prince was one of the most successful English commanders in the Hundred Years War who won victories on the battlefields of Crecy and Poitiers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #872330 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

About the Author
Richard Harber ia an academic and publisher. His other books include The Arthurian Legends, King Arthur:Hero and Legend, Tournaments, The Penguin Guide to Medieval Europe and The Knight and Chivalry, winner of the Somerset Maugham ward.

Customer Reviews

A serious study of a legendary figure - maybe a wee bit too dry
Prince Edward, Prince of Wales and Aquitaine, generally known as the Black Prince, is one of the legendary figures of English history who has gone down in history as the victor of three great battles and a model of chivalry and courtesy. In 1337, Edward became the first Duke to be created in England when he was given the title Duke of Cornwall. His title as Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester are still the traditional titles of the heir apparent.
The badge of three feathers of the PoW is thought to have originated with Edward. According to legend, the Black Prince obtained the arms from the blind John I of Bohemia, against whom he fought in the Battle of Crécy in 1346. After the battle, the prince went to the body of the dead king (whom he admired for his bravery) and took his helmet, lined with ostrich feathers. The feathers and the dead king's motto made up the prince's new badge and came to be used by subsequent Princes of Wales. The origin of both the feathers and the motto may have a less romantic history, with indications that the arms were inherited by the prince from his father. Although Edward is almost always now called the "Black Prince", there is no record of this name being used during his lifetime. He was instead known as Edward of Woodstock, after his place of birth. The "Black Prince" sobriquet "is first found in writing in Richard Grafton's "Chronicle of England" (1568.). Its origin is uncertain; according to tradition, it derived from an ornate black cuirass (piece of body armour) presented to the young prince by Edward III at the battle of Crécy. Although another theory attributes it to his dark temper.

So who is the man behind the hero-like figure? Does legend and reality match? It is not easy to get to the real Prince Edward. Richard Barber tries to do that, tries to get away from the romanticised version. Separating legend and reality is done as well by using a fairly dry language. It is therefore in my view not an easy read and if you look for a more romanticised description of his life than you better read a novel. It is a serious and readable study. It gives you much about the Black Prince and triggers your interest to study further. I liked it, but maybe I did not really enjoy it. A wee bit too dry for me.