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The Black Prince
The story of Edward the Black Prince includes elements of chivalry & the gallant deeds & deep tragedy of the Hundred Years War.
310 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 3, 2023
The Black Prince Brought to Light
Edward, The Black Prince, was the quintessential knight of romantic and heroic chivalry. A martial force of his time, but somewhat neglected by most historical and literary accounts perhaps because he never lived to be king. This wonderful presentation by Henry David Sedgwick provides a portrait of a time, a place and of a man who simultaneously was shaped by and a shaper of that time and place. The Hundred Year’s War looms large and provides the ubiquitous backdrop tapestry for this bright and colorful portrait of The Black Prince as obscure people, events and battles are brought to light.
How did Edward earn his nickname? Black armor or black deeds? Perhaps both, but I cannot help but recall the lines of Shakespeare spoken by the character of King Charles VI, prior to Agincourt, where he says they must fear Henry V because:
“He is bred out of that bloody strain That haunted us in our familiar paths:
Witness our too much memorable shame
When Cressy battle fatally was struck,
And all our princes captiv’d by the hand
Of that black name, Edward, Black Prince of Wales;
While that his mountain sire, on mountain standing,
Up in the air, crown’d with the golden sun,
Saw his heroical seed, and smiled to see him,
Mangle the work of nature and deface
The patterns that by God and by French fathers
Had twenty years been made.”
-Henry V, Act 2, Scene 4
Edward, The Black Prince, was the quintessential knight of romantic and heroic chivalry. A martial force of his time, but somewhat neglected by most historical and literary accounts perhaps because he never lived to be king. This wonderful presentation by Henry David Sedgwick provides a portrait of a time, a place and of a man who simultaneously was shaped by and a shaper of that time and place. The Hundred Year’s War looms large and provides the ubiquitous backdrop tapestry for this bright and colorful portrait of The Black Prince as obscure people, events and battles are brought to light.
How did Edward earn his nickname? Black armor or black deeds? Perhaps both, but I cannot help but recall the lines of Shakespeare spoken by the character of King Charles VI, prior to Agincourt, where he says they must fear Henry V because:
“He is bred out of that bloody strain That haunted us in our familiar paths:
Witness our too much memorable shame
When Cressy battle fatally was struck,
And all our princes captiv’d by the hand
Of that black name, Edward, Black Prince of Wales;
While that his mountain sire, on mountain standing,
Up in the air, crown’d with the golden sun,
Saw his heroical seed, and smiled to see him,
Mangle the work of nature and deface
The patterns that by God and by French fathers
Had twenty years been made.”
-Henry V, Act 2, Scene 4
October 15, 2016
Wasn't as informative as I would have hoped. Felt there should have been more information on his eldest son, but he just appears in the narrative and dies a year before the Prince. Maybe no information exists, but I think it should have come up. In contrast Richards is well mentioned. Admittedly he is the future King, so maybe there is more source material. Also found there was way too much French without translation. I don't read or speak French therefore I got nothing out of this.
August 24, 2008
Edward was probably the most exemplary example of what the Prince of Wales should be. His father was Edward the III commonly known as Longshanks. He began the 100 years war with France at the start of which is the battle of Crecy. This battle fought by the prince at age 16 was a resounding military victory and changed life in England dramatically. From a poor Nation on the fringes of Europe. England began its rise to becoming a major power. The reason for this was its extremely efficient military. Prince Edward was a paradox as a person. Although he embodied the ideals of Chivalry in every way. A powerful warrior, a magnanimus victor,loyal to his friends and gracious to his enemies. He was deeply religeous. Yet he could perform deeds that by todays standards seem barbaric. Sacking towns and letting his soldiers rape,loot, and burn everything to the ground. He was just acting in accordance to the ways wars have always been fought. As a man and a legend he makes todays Prince of Wales and his two sons look like second rate show pieces. Cary
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews