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Quick answer: The best books on the Hundred Years’ War cover the long struggle between England and France from 1337 to 1453. Start with Trial by Battle by Jonathan Sumption, The Hundred Years War by Desmond Seward, Agincourt by Juliet Barker, The Perfect King by Ian Mortimer and Joan of Arc by Helen Castor.
The Hundred Years’ War was actually a series of conflicts between England and France lasting from 1337 to 1453, over who should rule France and its lands. It saw famous English victories at Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt, won largely by longbowmen, and dramatic French recoveries, most famously led by the teenage Joan of Arc in 1429. The war ended with England losing almost all its French lands except Calais. It also helped shape English and French national identity and was followed in England by the Wars of the Roses. The books below include the great histories, biographies of the key figures, medieval chronicles, a Shakespeare play, gripping novels and a picture book. Each entry says who it suits best, so you can pick the right starting point, whether you want a quick overview, a deep dive into the battles or a story to read with your kids.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial by Battle | Jonathan Sumption | Narrative history | The definitive history |
| The Hundred Years War | Desmond Seward | Narrative history | A one-volume overview |
| The Hundred Years War: A People’s History | David Green | Social history | Ordinary people |
| Agincourt | Juliet Barker | Narrative history | The famous battle |
| Conquest | Juliet Barker | Narrative history | English rule in France |
| The Perfect King | Ian Mortimer | Biography | Edward III |
| Edward III | W. Mark Ormrod | Biography | Serious readers |
| The Black Prince | Michael Jones | Biography | England’s famous warrior prince |
| Joan of Arc | Helen Castor | Biography | The real Joan |
| Chronicles | Jean Froissart | Primary source | The medieval storyteller |
| Henry V | William Shakespeare | Play | Literature lovers |
| Azincourt | Bernard Cornwell | Historical novel | Action lovers |
| The Archer’s Tale | Bernard Cornwell | Historical novel | Series fans |
| The She-Wolf | Maurice Druon | Historical novel | Fans of royal intrigue |
| Joan of Arc | Diane Stanley | Picture book | Ages 7–11 |
1. Trial by Battle by Jonathan Sumption
The first volume of Sumption’s monumental five-volume history covers the war’s origins and early years. It’s detailed, authoritative and beautifully written.
2. The Hundred Years War by Desmond Seward
Seward tells the whole story of the war in a single, lively book. It’s the best place to start if you want the big picture.
3. The Hundred Years War: A People’s History by David Green
Green shows how the war affected soldiers, peasants, women and townspeople on both sides. It’s a fresh, human approach.
4. Agincourt by Juliet Barker
Barker tells the story of Henry V’s 1415 campaign and his victory at Agincourt. It’s vivid, detailed and readable.
5. Conquest by Juliet Barker
Barker’s sequel tells the story of the English kingdom of France after Agincourt and how it was lost. It’s gripping and little known.
6. The Perfect King by Ian Mortimer
Mortimer’s biography of Edward III, who started the war, is lively and admiring. It’s a great introduction to the king.
7. Edward III by W. Mark Ormrod
Ormrod’s biography in the Yale English Monarchs series is the definitive scholarly life of Edward III.
8. The Black Prince by Michael Jones
Jones tells the story of Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince, who won the Battle of Poitiers. It’s dramatic and well researched.
9. Joan of Arc by Helen Castor
Castor tells Joan’s story without knowing the ending, as her contemporaries experienced it. It’s fresh, gripping and grounded in the sources.
10. Chronicles by Jean Froissart
Froissart’s 14th-century chronicles describe battles, knights and chivalry in colorful detail. The Penguin selection is very readable.
11. Henry V by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s play about the Agincourt campaign includes the famous “band of brothers” speech. It’s stirring and complex.
12. Azincourt by Bernard Cornwell
Cornwell’s novel follows an English archer to the Battle of Agincourt. It’s fast, gritty and full of detail. Content note: battle violence.
13. The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwell
The first book of the Grail Quest series follows the archer Thomas of Hookton to the Battle of Crécy. It’s exciting adventure.
14. The She-Wolf by Maurice Druon
The fifth novel of The Accursed Kings tells how Queen Isabella overthrew Edward II, setting the stage for the war. It’s dark and gripping.
15. Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley
Stanley’s richly illustrated picture book tells Joan’s story for young readers. It’s beautiful and well researched.
Tips for Reading About the Hundred Years’ War
- Start with Seward. One volume gives you the outline.
- Then read Sumption. His volumes are the gold standard.
- Read about Joan of Arc. Helen Castor’s biography is the best modern account.
- Learn the big battles. Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt are the turning points.
- Read Froissart. He makes the age of chivalry come alive.
- Try a novel. Bernard Cornwell’s archers are great company.
Related: best books on Medieval England and best books on the Black Death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book on the Hundred Years’ War?
Trial by Battle, the first volume of Jonathan Sumption’s history, is the definitive account, and The Hundred Years War by Desmond Seward is the best single-volume overview.
How long did the Hundred Years’ War last?
It lasted 116 years, from 1337 to 1453, with long periods of truce between campaigns.
What is the best book about Joan of Arc?
Joan of Arc by Helen Castor is the best modern biography, and Diane Stanley’s picture book is a great choice for children.