HENRY OF LANCASTER'S EXPEDITION TO AQUITAINE, 1345-46: Military Service and Professionalism in the Hundred Years' War.

First edition, first printing. Original illustrated boards (issued without dustwrapper). A fine copy, the binding square and firm, the contents, except for a previous owner's name written neatly in ink to the upper corner of the front pastedown, the same owners initials to the centre of the rear pastedown, and a few of tiny ink ticks beside entries in the bibliography, are clean and bright throughout.

"In 1345 Henry of Lancaster, earl of Derby – the most prominent soldier, diplomat and statesman of his generation – led an English royal army to the duchy of Aquitaine and inflicted two devastating defeats on the French royal forces. These were the first decisive victories for either side, and swung the course of the Hundred Years' War dramatically in England's favour. The remarkable success of the expedition, however, has been overshadowed in history by Edward III's more celebrated victory at Crécy the following year. This reassessment of a neglected campaign draws on a wealth of original source material to furnish an examination of the campaign "in the round"; recruitment, preparations and financial administration, as well as its events and achievements, are examined closely." (from the jacket)