"Poitiers" by Hilaire Belloc is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work provides a detailed examination of the Battle of Poitiers, which took place during the Hundred Years' War between England and France in 1356. Belloc delves into the military strategies, political background, and key figures involved, particularly focusing on Edward, the Black Prince, and the intricacies of medieval warfare. The opening of the book sets the stage for the campaign leading up to the pivotal battle. Belloc outlines the political tensions between Edward III and the French monarchy, detailing the background of the English claims to French territories and the motivations behind the Black Prince's military actions. As Edward prepares to lead his troops—including a small but focused force of men-at-arms and archers—Belloc highlights the strategic maneuvers and initial skirmishes that precede the larger conflict, creating a sense of anticipation for the climactic events of the battle itself. The thoughtful exposition illustrates the dynamics at play, including the characters’ motivations and the tactical decisions that reflect the complexities of warfare during this period. (This is an automatically generated summary.)