Crécy and Poitiers had defeated the proud French knights, once victorious. At Azincourt and Verneuil, they had to drink the wine to the dregs. These lessons would lead King Charles VII to take action. The Ordonnance companies are considered by many to be the first permanent military units of the Kings of France. Although Charles VII was not the founder of this permanent army, he was the one who completed its reform. To draw up his famous ordonnance of 1445, the 'Bien Servi' (Well Served) drew inspiration from what his predecessors had initiate. French Companies of Ordonnance covers the organization, recruitment and military equipment of the French companies of Ordonnance from the late XIVth century to the middle of the 16th century. Their composition and organisational development are thus analysed in detail. Numerous plates and illustrations complete this study. AUTHOR: Stéphane Thion is a PhD in Human Sciences from Toulouse Capitole University. Passionate about history and strategy, and well-versed in research methods (he is currently Director of a Doctorate of Business Administration programme), he has been conducting research in the historical field for over 15 years. He is the author of several historical works on the 17th century: French Armies of Thirty Years War; La bataille d'Avins 1635; La bataille de Rocroi. He is also the author of the book Le Soldat Lagide de Ptolémée Ier Sôter à Cléopâtre and numerous articles in French magazines. 70 b/w illustrations, 10 b/w photos, 20 colour illustrations, 8 colour plates, 10 tables