This book investigates the profound and multifaceted impact of the Hundred Years' War on the societies of England and France during the late Middle Ages. C. T. Allmand, drawing on extensive documentary evidence from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, examines how individuals perceived and experienced warfare, the practical challenges of raising and maintaining armies, and the broader societal effects of military demands. The work also delves into the economic motivations behind conflict, the evolution of military tactics, and the crucial contributions of non-combatants to the war effort. Furthermore, it illustrates the persistent efforts toward peace-making and the long-lasting social, economic, and political repercussions that extended well beyond the official cessation of hostilities.

The book is a scholarly examination of the Hundred Years' War, utilizing primary source documents to explore its impact on medieval English and French society. It is structured to provide a comprehensive view, covering aspects from the psychology of soldiers to the economic underpinnings of conflict and the eventual pursuit of peace. The work's strength lies in its detailed analysis of the period's evidence, offering a nuanced understanding of how war reshaped the social, economic, and political landscapes. Its focus on the long-term effects highlights the enduring legacy of this protracted conflict.