Ok, where to start. This book is out of print so there is not a lot of information about it out there but I bought it anyway expecting it to be a study of the Breton Civil War during the Hundred Years War. It turned out to be a very detailed and intricate study of how Duke John IV attempted to manipulate the monarchs of France and England in a way that increased his duchy independance and consolidate his own power. VERY little mention of the battles, campaigns, or sieges I hoped to read about in this book. If feudal government, medieval politics, or the machinations of liege homage are your thing you will enjoy this book. I did not. Although, I did find myself feeling sympathetic toward John and his cause, as he was actually looking out for the best interest of his Duchy and it's citizens, while thrust into a situation not of his doing. ( )