War Justice And Public Order

This is a study of two topics of central importance in late medieval history: the impact of war, and the control of disorder. Making war and making law were the twin goals of the state, and the author examines the effect of the evolution of royal government in England and France. Ranging broadly between 1000 and 1400, he focuses principally on the period c.1290 to c.1360, and compares developments in the two countries in four related areas: the economic and political costs of war; the development of royal justice; the crown's attempt to control private violence; and the relationship between public opinion and government action.

He argues that as France suffered near breakdown under repeated English invasions, the authority of the crown became more acceptable to the internal warring factions; whereas the English monarchy, unable to meet the expectations for internal order which arose partly from its own ambitious claims to be 'keeper of the peace', had to devolve much of its judicial powers.

In these linked problems of war, justice, and public order may lie the origins of English 'constitutionalism' and French 'absolutism'. Review: 'stimulating and informative ... Because the examination of the interaction of such momentous forces as war, centralization of authority, maintenance of order, administration of justice, and provision of security is so thorough and so acute this study will also furnish valuable insights to those primarily interested in the history of other times and other places.' Richard Jones, Reed College.

Albion 'as is always the case with this publisher, is beautifully produced ... a fascinating comparison of the conditions in which government operated and of its differing achievements in the two countries' Journal of Medieval History 'substantial and informative work ... Its value lies not so much in the originality of its ideas or the novelty of its sources, but in its clear and vigorous synthesis of a huge literature relating to its major themes.

It is strongly comparative in approach ... Students of English and French medieval society at every level will find much to ponder in his thoughtful and authoritative work.' French History 'a valuable contribution ... this is a study which has set at least one reader thinking about the wider implications of the issues which it raises' Times Literary Supplement 'His long and absorbing book may, however, be fairly categorized as the best mind of constitutional history' Times Higher Educational Supplement