Bouvines 1214

Name: Bouvines 1214
Price: 34.99 AUD
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ISBN: 9781472868824

Philippe Augustus and the Battle for France

James Titterton, Graham Turner (Illustrator)

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English

Osprey
01 February 2026

History; Medieval history; Military history; Battles & campaigns

Series: Campaign

A detailed look at the battle of Bouvines, which saw Philippe II of France defeat the German and English coalition forces, changing the history of Europe forever.

In early 1214, a coalition of forces led by Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV and bankrolled by King John of England was assembled to challenge France's King Philippe Augustus. Its aim was to reclaim the empire that John had lost to Philippe over the past decade. A campaign was planned on two fronts: John's army in Poitou and Otto's army in northern France. The battle of Bouvines took place in Flanders in July 1214 – and it was a crushing defeat for the coalition armies. The French knights outmatched them at every turn.

Here, medieval historian James Titterton looks at how Philippe's victory changed European history – not only did the coalition lose the lands they had hoped to reclaim, but Otto was deposed as Holy Roman Emperor and John's position was so weakened that he was forced into issuing the Magna Carta in 1215. The Flemish leaders were captured and imprisoned and Philippe set out to expand his authority unopposed. Bouvines was one of the most significant battles in European history, helping to establish the nation of France as it is today and resulting in the brutal defeat of the coalition leaders. With stunning artwork, detailed maps and period images, this book charts the clash of European chivalry and two crowned kings on the field of battle.

By: James Titterton
Illustrated by: Graham Turner (Illustrator)
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 422
Dimensions: Height: 248mm, Width: 182mm, Spine: 8mm
Weight: 310g
ISBN: 9781472868824
ISBN 10: 147286882X
Series: Campaign
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 01 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

(Subject to confirmation) Origins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces and Orders of Battle Opposing Plans The Campaign Aftermath The Battlefield Today Bibliography Index

Dr James Titterton is a medieval historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He received his PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Leeds. He has published a previous book on medieval history and has written for many medieval magazines. Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, specializing in the medieval period. He has illustrated numerous titles for Osprey, covering a wide variety of subjects. Graham lives and works in Buckinghamshire, UK.

Reviews for Bouvines 1214: Philippe Augustus and the Battle for France

I found the five maps and two battlefield plans very useful in understanding the strategic and tactical aspects of the campaign. * Wargames, Soldier and Strategy magazine *