1356, Cornwell - B

                                          I have probably read thirty of Bernard Cornwell's historical adventure novels.  I believe much can be learned (while having a light, enjoyable time) about Wellington's campaign in Spain by reading the  Richard Sharpe books.  This novel is the fourth in the Grail Quest series featuring Sir Thomas Hookton.    

                                         The book is centered around the Battle of Poiters in 1356, where an outnumbered English army, led by Edward, the Black Prince, prevailed over a larger French army.  The English captured the French King, Jean, and the Dauphin. ( Compelling your enemy to pay ransom was a key strategy in the 100 Years War.)  Cornwell has already treated Crecy, an English victory that preceded this one, and Agincourt, which came later.

                                         The English success in all three is credited by Cornwell to the ability of the English archers to consistently stop the French. The English longbow was as tall as a man, made of yew and other woods that only the English could build into a bow, and was shot by very strong men.  The countryside supported their men by making arrows with different types of tips and exclusively using goose feathers to insure an accurate flight.  Deadly up to 200 paces ( I assume about 150 yards), they were the breakthrough technology of their day.