The Hundred Years War Vol 4: Cursed Kings

The fourth volume in Sumption's Hundred Years War series covers the period from 1400 through 1422, documenting the reign of Henry V and the final years of Charles VI of France. The narrative tracks diplomatic relations, military campaigns, and political developments across England, France, and Burgundy during a pivotal phase of the conflict. Through extensive research and original sources, Sumption reconstructs the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles that characterized this period. The text examines how internal divisions in France and England shaped military strategy and international relations. The book details the Battle of Agincourt and its aftermath, along with other key military engagements and sieges that marked this era. Administrative records, letters, and chronicles inform Sumption's account of how warfare affected society at all levels. This volume illuminates broader themes about medieval governance, the nature of power, and the relationship between monarchy and nobility. The work raises questions about how personal ambition and institutional weakness can transform the political landscape of nations.

Readers praise the detailed research, extensive use of primary sources, and clear explanations of complex political situations. Many note that Sumption handles multiple narrative threads without losing focus on the main events. Several reviews highlight his ability to paint vivid pictures of battles while maintaining scholarly rigor. Common criticisms include the dense writing style and assumption of prior knowledge. Some readers found it challenging to keep track of the numerous nobles and locations without a strong background in medieval history. A recurring positive comment is Sumption's balanced treatment of both English and French perspectives, rather than taking sides. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.6/5 (39 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (42 ratings) Sample review: "Incredibly detailed but requires concentration. Not for casual readers." - Amazon reviewer Another reader notes: "The maps could be more numerous and detailed to help follow the complex military campaigns." - Goodreads

The Great Mortalities: An Account of the Plagues of the Middle Ages by Joseph Byrne Chronicles the impact of medieval plagues through primary sources and chronicles across Europe with a focus on institutional responses and societal changes.

The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge Examines military campaigns, political maneuvering, and cultural exchanges between East and West through medieval primary sources and archaeological evidence.

The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones Traces the dynasty's rise and fall through battles, court politics, and power struggles from the 12th to 15th centuries.

The Norman Conquest by Marc Morris Details the events, personalities, and consequences of the Norman invasion of England through contemporary chronicles and documentary evidence.

The Wars of the Roses by Alison Weir Chronicles the dynastic conflicts in England from 1455 to 1487 through administrative records, personal letters, and medieval chronicles.

🗡️ Jonathan Sumption began writing this monumental series on the Hundred Years' War in 1976, taking over 40 years to complete all four volumes. 👑 Before becoming a historian, Sumption served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and was one of Britain's highest-paid barristers. ⚔️ "Cursed Kings" covers the period 1399-1422, including Henry V's famous victory at Agincourt (1415) and the Treaty of Troyes (1420), which made him heir to the French throne. 🏰 This volume explores how mental illness in the French royal family, particularly King Charles VI's schizophrenia, contributed significantly to France's political instability. 📚 At 909 pages, this final volume of the series brings the total page count of Sumption's complete Hundred Years' War history to over 3,000 pages.