320: Hundred Years' War: The Black Prince (Part 3)

Sir Nigel is a historical novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the early phase of the Hundred Years' War. It follows the life of Nigel Loring, a young squire who seeks to become a knight and win the hand of Lady Mary by performing three acts of bravery. The novel explores themes of honor, chivalry, and war, providing a vivid portrayal of 14th-century life in England and Europe.

In this book, Barbara W. Tuchman delves into the complexities of the 14th century, a period characterized by the juxtaposition of a glittering age of crusades, cathedrals, and chivalry with a world plunged into chaos and spiritual agony. Tuchman examines the great rhythms of history as well as the details of domestic life, including childhood, marriage, and the impact of money, taxes, and war on various social classes. She re-creates the lives of diverse figures such as cardinals, scholars, grocers, saints, and knights, providing a comprehensive and vivid portrait of medieval Europe. The book also draws parallels between the calamities of the 14th century and those of the 20th century, particularly the devastating effects of the plague and World War I.