book data
55 ratings,
3.93
average rating, 20 reviews
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published
June 14th 2006
(first published 2005)
by Little, Brown and Company
binding
Hardcover
isbn
0316015032
(isbn13: 9780316015035)
description
From Booklist
The Battle of Agincourt of 1415 has endured in popular awareness on the strength of Shakespeare's Henry the Fifth. The historical H...more
The Battle of Agincourt of 1415 has endured in popular awareness on the strength of Shakespeare's Henry the Fifth. The historical H...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 113)
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avg 3.93
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in April, 2009
recommends it for:
British history buffs, readers of Shakespeare's Henry V
The Battle of Agincourt is one of the most, if not the most, famous battles in British history. I didn't know that until reading this book. I'd never read Shakespeare's history plays on Henry IV and Prince Hal, so my knowledge of King Henry V was nonexistent prior to diving into this book.
I recently heard a quote in a British TV mini-series, "A war with France is traditional." How true this was for many centuries. In the midst of the Hundred Years' War, Henry V waged a batt...more
I recently heard a quote in a British TV mini-series, "A war with France is traditional." How true this was for many centuries. In the midst of the Hundred Years' War, Henry V waged a batt...more
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Read in November, 2008
A detailed story of the first French campaign of Henry V and the Battle of Agincourt. Includes the rise of Henry V, the usurper's son, raising taxes and forming his army, crossing the Channel and capturing the French town of Harfleur, and then facing overwhelming odds on a field outside the village of Agincourt in northern France. The English were outnumbered about five to one, were tired and hungry and wet, and stricken with dystentery (many of Henry's archers reportedly tore holes in their bri...more
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Read in March, 2009
For three-hundred odd pages on a single battle, Barker manages a remarkably engaging narrative with a very human edge. I don't know the historiography of Agincourt, but Barker claims to refocus on the people behind the English invasion of Normandy, and that approach is clear. Since this is early Modern Europe, it is also kind of a pain, because I can only keep track of so many Dukes, Earls, and Counts. Ultimately, though this book is enjoyable if only for the historical perspective it places ...more
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Read in November, 2008
i'm a huge nerd and i love reading history books for fun. and this one was a pretty good read if you like battles and are as obsessed with medieval english history as i am. there's a bit of jumping around and the paragraphs and chapters could be broken up a bit better for easier reading (lots of names and terms and etc. to keep track of after all).
of course the book favored henry v and the english cause, so if you want a french rendition and french-side of the story then you better k...more
of course the book favored henry v and the english cause, so if you want a french rendition and french-side of the story then you better k...more
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Read in March, 2008
I read this book a few months ago. I enjoyed it very much. The Auther not only covers the battle but the years and months leading up to the battle. She covers the men who fought the battle, the leadership or lack of leadership by the French. Covers the social cost to France. a must read for anyone interested in this famous battle. The title says it all.
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Read in September, 2008
This is a well researched book, and I learned much more about 15th century chivalry than I expected. Barker provides ample detail from contemporary sources, usually presenting the reader with the range of accounts provided at the time as well as what the "received" understanding is today. Occasionally, she asserts her own opinion in contrast to general opinion.
I bought the book to learn how Henry was able to win the battle of Agincourt, and I did learn that through this book. ...more
I bought the book to learn how Henry was able to win the battle of Agincourt, and I did learn that through this book. ...more
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Read in April, 2008
It's less of a military history than it is a general anthropological survey of the Agincourt period. This isn't a critique as much as it is a warning to those seeking battle plans, descriptions of armament and the like.
Still, it's authoritative and well researched. The writing is fluid and compelling and accurately portrays the inherent scale and drama of the campaign as well as exposing the motivations, social and personal (and interpersonal) that drove and drive HIStory.
...more
Still, it's authoritative and well researched. The writing is fluid and compelling and accurately portrays the inherent scale and drama of the campaign as well as exposing the motivations, social and personal (and interpersonal) that drove and drive HIStory.
...more
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Recommended by my cousin, Mark Johnston, although I'm not sure I got the right author since a couple books have the same title.
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Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone who likes english history
I was a sucker for Shakespeare's "Henry V," what can I say. I wanted to learn how much poetic license the Bard took with the real battle. Turns out, not much-- which in an of itself, is remarkable. The battle of Agincourt was to 15th Century Europe what WWII was to America-- we say "we whooped their asses in WWII"-- change the dates and places, and essentially you have the same sentiment. The English were outnumbered by the French 6 to 1, and still beat them-- this book tells...more
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
nerds or Libras
Any book that makes history seem more complicated than some silly old play by some balding and really dead English playwright gets a thumbs up from me. But seriously, this book's does a fairly good job at explaining the politics and logistics during the 100 Years War, an oft talked about and little understood part of European history. Unfortunately, what it lacks in depth it makes up for in a brisk place. Let’s call it a light hearted romp down the path of piety, chivalry and dysentery… y...more
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Mary by:
found it in the libraryrecommends it for: anyone in the military or who likes military history
I absolutely love this book, and recommend it to anyone who loves military history. This is the true source of the famous "band of brothers" line, even if Henry himself didn't say it. I have mailed this to Iraq in care packages, and to all my nephews, nieces, and cousins on active duty. It's not long, and there are parts that I must admit I sped through--I am not a big fan of logistics. But the book is more than worthwhile--it's a jewel!
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Read in May, 2009
This book was okay. I enjoyed learning about the history of Agincourt and the surrounding period, but it still lacked something. It read a bit like a history text book. It also seemed to lack a certain meatiness. I couldn't quite get my teeth into the book. There were some intersting parts but overall I walked a way somewhat unsatisfied.
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Only read a couple chapters of this (months ago now) but the first couple of chapters were great. Now a book that I pack to take on trips because I know I'll enjoy it. Needed to have something on my "currently reading" list. I'll review when I finish.
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Read in December, 2007
Yet more literate, popular history. Best known for her biographies, the author's also an expert on medieval jousting, weapons, armor, tournaments and the like. This is just great narrative writing where the characters and the times come alive.
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Read in January, 2008
A very interesting, detailed survey of this important episode in high medieval English / French history. Heavy on facts, but the writing is light and the story is really engaging.
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Read in April, 2008
Wonderful historical book with plenty of information about the people involved, the campaign and the battle.
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A page-turner that puts you into the heart of one of the most intriguing battles in history!
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Read in October, 2006
Excellent readable history of one of the major military endeavors of medieval England.
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