Preface: 'An almost impossible event ...' --1. A Problem for Historical Methodology -- 2. The Sources. -- The emergence of Flemish and French versions. -- The sources of the French version. -- The sources of the Flemish version. -- Conclusion: the Flemish and French versions -- 3. The Terrain at Courtrai. -- The battlefield according to accounts of the period. -- The terrain according to deeds, records and old maps. -- Conclusion on the terrain -- 4. The Two Armies. -- The numerical strength of the two armies. -- The carved Flemish chest at New College, Oxford, and the equipment and arms of the Flemish troops -- 5. From the Bruges Matins to the Battle of the Spurs for freedom, equality and fraternity. -- The strategic problem -- 6. 11 July 1302. -- The council of war held in the French camp. -- Preparations in the Flemish army. -- The battle array chosen by the French forces. -- The battle of the crossbowmen. -- The charge of the French left wing. -- The charge of the French right wing. -- The intervention of Jan van Renesse. -- The charge led by Robert d'Artois. -- Crisis and conclusion. -- The flight of the French rearguard and the pursuit.