Volume 3 of Jonathan Sumption's history covers the(for me) least known section of the Hundred Years War - the period between Edward III and the Black Prince's triumphs - Crecy, Poitiers etc - and Henry V and Agincourt. It was a pretty bleak period for England, as they were politically and militarily outmanoeuvred, and driven from many of their hard won gains. The book covers the battle field, the domestic politics of both countries and diplomatic manouevring. As before, I found his economic analysis particularly interesting - the two kings' relative abilty to raise taxes was as decisive as anything else.
I loved the first two volumes, and this one as well. First, the writing is superbly clear and readable, keeping you turning pages despite the length and complexity. Secondly, the grasp of detail brings events and people to life - this is no dry academic history. Third, Sumption sets out a clear overall narrative that knits the mass of events together, and paints a convincing picture of how England steadily gave ground. (How Sumption manages to combine writing these books with being one of the UK's top lawyers is beyond me).
I sometimes felt that Sumption was enjoying writing so much that he was deliberately slowing down - less seems to happen than in Volumes 1 and 2, and I began to wonder how many Volumes the whole series will run to. Occasionally, you think you have covered every square inch of British occupied France - and a few more maps would help.
But Sumption still manages to keep you interested and reading, despite the level of detail and lack of 'spectaculars'. Such pure quality of writing keeps him at 5 stars.
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