French Medieval Armies 1000–1300
By the 11th century the French King had lost control of border regions, while local warfare had grown alarmingly frequent.
In fact the energies of the French military élite were now focused on petty internal squabbles and external adventures like the Norman conquest of England. Nevertheless, the population and economy both expanded, although it was not until the 12th century that the crown rebuilt its power-base. Despite its slow start when compared with neighbours like England, the Kingdom of France had, by the 13th century, risen to become the most powerful state in Western Europe.
This title describes the organisation, history and tactics of French medieval armies.
David Nicolle PhD worked in the BBC Arabic Service, gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a PhD from Edinburgh University. For some years he taught art and architectural history at Yarmuk University, Jordan. David has written many Osprey titles, including MAA 140 Armies of the Ottoman Turks, MAA 320 Armies of the Caliphates 862–1098, and Campaign 43 Fornovo 1495.
Angus McBride was one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, and contributed to over 100 Osprey titles over several decades.