Henry V: The Practice of Kingship

by Gerald Leslie Harriss (Editor)

This is the first scholarly reappraisal of the government of Henry V to appear in over fifty years. Traditionally cast as a British national hero whose victory at Agincourt made him the epitome of medieval chivalry, Henry V was also a dedicated and patriotic ruler who set out to restore "good
governance" in the wake of Richard II's tyrannical rule and who brilliantly effected a renewal of national confidence after a generation of political and social conflict. Contributors to the volume include C.T. Allmand, Jeremy Catto, G.L. Harriss, Maurice Keen, and Edward Powell.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 1984

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry V: The Practice of Kingship is a collection of essays about the aspects of Henry V’s policies and approaches to the role of king. This is quite old (first published in 1984) and out of print now, but the essays are still incredibly revealing, informative and surprisingly readable. The contributors include trustworthy historians such as G. L. Harriss and Christopher Allmand, and their arguments are clear and reasonable. This is not necessarily a revaluation of Henry V’s reign and kingship along the lines of “just another despot and war criminal” – which, to be honest, I’ve never found very credible – but it is a nuanced take, sometimes critical of Henry, other times reaffirming why he was so well-regarded in his lifetime.

[Keeper of the Privy Seal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A largely enjoyable read that also has a great deal of use to someone looking to expand their breadth of knowledge, on Henry V. Covering his financial policy, management of Parliament and his subjects, relationship with his magnates, his career in Normandy and France, his success in diplomacy and his commitment to religion. Definitely worth the read!