Knights and Peasants

This insightful exploration reveals the realities of peasant life during the Hundred Years War, offering a new perspective on the experiences of ordinary people in Knights and Peasants.

In Knights and Peasants, the author presents a compelling examination of the experiences of ordinary people during the tumultuous period of late medieval France, particularly amidst the backdrop of the Hundred Years War. This work provides a fresh perspective on the soldier-peasant dynamic, highlighting how the lives of common folk were intricately woven into the fabric of warfare. The author delves into the complexities of the relationship between aristocratic soldiers and the peasantry, revealing how ideals of chivalry often conflicted with the harsh realities of exploitation faced by non-combatants.

By drawing on a wealth of documentary evidence, including previously unpublished records from the French royal chancery, Knights and Peasants explores the varied attitudes of both soldiers and peasants. It examines how soldiers reconciled their chivalric ideals with the practicalities of war, while simultaneously illustrating the resistance and adaptations of the peasant population in response to their treatment. This nuanced approach sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of peasant life during times of crisis, offering a vital corrective to traditional narratives surrounding warfare.

This book is not only a significant contribution to the historiography of late-medieval France but also a valuable resource for understanding the broader implications of war on society. By focusing on the lived experiences of ordinary individuals, Knights and Peasants invites readers to reconsider the impact of conflict on communities and the resilience of those who endured it.