In a dazzling series of some 270 specially posed photographs, the authors recreate the fighting men of the High Middle Ages set in their 15th century environment. Noblemen and armoured knights, officers and halbardiers, artillery and handgunners, archers and crossbowmen, ladies and camp-followers are placed in realistic outdoor settings and historic interiors in Britain and continental Europe.

Civilian costume both male and female, and a wide range of armour and weapons, are modelled and demonstrated in use by Europe's leading living history groups.

The illustrations are accompanied by a detailed text describing many aspects of 15th century life, researched from primary sources including little-known continental archives.