King Edward III

King Edward III's claim to France ignites a sweeping historical drama of war, honor, and desire. Urged on by Robert of Artois, he rejects King John's demand that he surrender Guienne, while Scotland's raids and the plight of the Countess of Salisbury force him to fight on multiple fronts. At Roxborough, the Scots' swagger collapses into panic as Edward's army approaches, and the Countess's fearless wit turns retreat into humiliation. When Edward arrives, victory gives way to fascination: he is captivated by her beauty, invites himself into her orbit, and soon asks Lodowick to frame his passion in a love poem that elevates her above all women. But the Countess meets his advances with moral clarity, defending marriage, honor, and devotion to God against a king who mistakes conquest for love. Meanwhile, France gathers allies and fleets for battle, only to be shattered in a brutal sea clash. A grim messenger describes burning ships and blood-red waters, while frightened citizens near Cressi debate flight, loyalty, and prophecy as the English advance and the fleur-de-lis seems doomed. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.