Life of Edward the Black Prince
1876
Life of Edward the Black Prince
1876
Published in 1876, 'Life of Edward the Black Prince' by Louise Creighton is a historical biography that details the life and achievements of Edward, the Black Prince (1330-1376), the eldest son of King Edward III of England. The book examines his significant role in the Hundred Years' War, highlighting his military campaigns, particularly at the Battles of Crécy and Poitiers, and the socio-political context of his time. Creighton provides insight into Edward's character, upbringing, and the complexities of his legacy as a chivalric figure in English history.
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“They had not learnt the great lesson, that trade prospers best when it is left alone by law-makers. They were inexperienced in making laws, and charmed with their new power, thought it would be easy to make the world go rightly by making laws about everything. Continually the laws when made were found to have quite different results to what the law-makers had expected, and had to be repealed the next year.””
— Louise Creighton
About Life of Edward the Black Prince
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- The Black Prince is born in 1330 during the troubled regency of Queen Isabella and Mortimer. Edward III overthrows Mortimer and begins his personal rule, facing challenges from Scotland and developing his claim to the French throne.
- 2
- Edward III forms alliances with Flemish towns and Jacques van Arteveldt, assumes the title King of France, and begins military campaigns. The war opens with mixed results and heavy expenses.
- 3
- Edward III invades Normandy with the Black Prince, devastating the countryside. The English army is trapped by Philip VI but wins a decisive victory at Crécy through superior tactics and archery.
Key Themes
- Chivalry and Honor
- The ideals of medieval knighthood permeate the narrative, with the Black Prince embodying the highest chivalric virtues of courage, courtesy, and honor in battle, even toward enemies.
- The Rise of Parliament
- The book traces the growing power of the English Parliament during Edward III's reign, culminating in the Good Parliament's assertion of rights to impeach ministers and demand governmental accountability.
- Religious Reform
- Wiclif's challenge to church corruption and his translation of the Bible represent early stirrings of religious reformation, though his movement was ultimately suppressed.
Characters
- Edward the Black Prince(protagonist)
- The eldest son of Edward III, a chivalrous knight and military commander. Known for his victories at Crécy and Poitiers, he embodied the ideals of medieval knighthood but struggled as an administrator in Aquitaine.
- Edward III(major)
- King of England, ambitious warrior-king who claimed the French throne and initiated the Hundred Years' War. A patron of chivalry who founded the Order of the Garter but lacked political wisdom.
- John of Gaunt(major)
- Third son of Edward III, Duke of Lancaster, ambitious and unscrupulous politician who opposed the clergy and sought power during his father's decline. Patron of Chaucer and ally of Wiclif.
- Sir John Chandos(major)
- Noble English knight, trusted advisor to the Black Prince, and one of the founding members of the Order of the Garter. Exemplified the highest ideals of chivalry and served as lieutenant in Aquitaine.
- King John of France(major)
- King of France captured at the Battle of Poitiers, known as 'John the Good.' A brave but ineffective ruler whose captivity and ransom impoverished France.
- Joan of Kent(major)
- Known as the Fair Maid of Kent, she became the Black Prince's wife. A beautiful and influential woman who supported Wiclif and played a role in court politics.
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<a href="https://lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadf"><img src="https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg" alt="Read Life of Edward the Black Prince by Louise Creighton free on Lex" width="160" height="40"></a>[](https://lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadf)[url=https://lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadf][img]https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg[/img][/url]Read Life of Edward the Black Prince by Louise Creighton free on Lex: https://lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadfCite this book
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Creighton, Louise. Life of Edward the Black Prince. Lex, lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadf.Creighton, L. (1876). Life of Edward the Black Prince. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadfCreighton, Louise. Life of Edward the Black Prince. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/life-of-edward-the-black-prince-cd2c1b74-2627-4b34-829e-566abf59aadf.
