s3276169
The UK typically produces historical series of a high caliber and The Hundred Years War is no exception. This series examines the hundred years war, which was really a series of conflicts, that progressively tore apart the well established system of shared culture and values that existed between the British and French ruling classes. Its a lively production that sees the series host visit the sites of conflict, talking to mostly academic experts, who have a detailed knowledge of events and those involved. Its a well presented series but, that's not to say it doesn't have its shortcomings. What I noted in particular, is what I would call a thread of "nationalism" that pops its head up from time to time. Adjectives like 'great" is used fairly frequently and the nouns like "hero" are used to describe the warring English elites and their soldiery. English kings who might be described as lucky are also at the same time great leaders. Well, which is it? Good luck or good management? Looking beyond the dash of British nationalism, this is still, for the most part, a good series with solid academic credentials. Well worth your time if, like me, you enjoy historical series. Seven out of ten from me.
