The battle of Castillon in 1453 marked the swan song of English France and the effective end of the Hundred Years War. Peter Hoskins’ book, number 21 in Helion & Co’s from Retinue to Regiment series, takes us through the background and events leading up to the campaign and battle, the battle itself and its aftermath. Also discussed are the military reforms of the French King Charles VII and the evolution of gunpowder weapons and cannon which were to allow the French to conclusively destroy the English army under John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and drive the English out of Aquitaine and Gascony once and for all, a disaster of epic proportions for the English monarchy.
This is a well written and easy to read book, and clearly the author has conducted a great deal of research from a wide range of sources. The book boasts several well presented maps, a fair few photographs of the area as it is today and of preserved artillery pieces, and the usual fabulous central pages containing eight colour plates depicting examples of the soldiers of the time, and banners and coats of arms of some of the main participants.
If the late Medieval period and the Hundred Years War number among your interests, whatever the reason, this book should make an enjoyable and rewarding read.
ISBN: 978-1-804513-55-2 soft back, 125 pages
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