The fourteenth century, which took in a fair chunk of the Hundred Years’ War, is currently a favoured period among medieval historians. Earlier this year there appeared a study of Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, while Dr Jones’ book is concerned with her husband, Edward, eldest son of Edward III, known since the sixteenth century as the Black Prince. His career, lived at the highest social and military levels, was an eventful one. As commander of English forces at three notable victories won against the French and their allies (Crécy, Poitiers and Nájera), he was to achieve a great ­reputation as a leader of men.