AS A BLACK PRINCE ON BLOODY FIELDS

A historical novel about the life and times of Edward the Black Prince from debut author Jensen.

The real-life, 14th-century exploits of Edward the Black Prince—eldest son of King Edward III and remembered by history for his success in battle—serve here as literary fodder. The novel explores the life of a man who commanded troops against the French as a teenager, inspired others with his devotion to chivalry and died before he could become king. As a child, he was afraid of the dark and lived under the threat of an invasion by the Scots. Learning the ways of nobles, soldiers and jongleurs, Edward’s education takes place on tournament fields and horseback. Throughout it all, in this telling, Edward remains introspective, sensitive and human. His impulse is to flee the famous battle of Crécy; though, of course, he does not, and he bears witness to the horrific glory of clashing knights and deadly archers. The author humanizes Edward without ever dulling the narrative and ably renders action scenes of shattering lances, as well as moments of contemplation. Edward’s insights remain unobtrusive, such as when he is camped with his father during the siege of Calais: “We made such a noise that it probably could be heard in the French city. I wondered what they thought.” Always longing for Joan of Kent (herself a complex figure) and constantly aware of changing times, this story of the Black Prince proves fascinating as Edward faces the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death. Though thornier events such as the siege of Limoges are absent, the book remains a thoughtful investigation into the life of one of England’s most notorious figures of the Middle Ages.

Fans of historical fiction need look no further for a complex and engaging story of Edward the Black Prince.