Doyle found inspiration for his novel "The White Company" in an 1889 lecture on medieval times. He had read over a hundred volumes on the period of Edward III and the Hundred Years' War, and called this novel "the most complete, satisfying and ambitious thing I have ever done". "The White Company" is a romantic adventure story, set in England, France and Spain in 1366-67, about a free company of archers who exhibit the chivalry, nobility and strength that appealed greatly to readers in the industrial age. Like those of Doyle's time, readers today will lose themselves in the exciting adventures of Sir Nigel, Alleyne Edricson, Sam Aylward, and the entire company of mercenaries.