Sir John Hawkwood: Chivalry and the Art of War

by Stephen Cooper

In Florence cathedral hangs a remarkable portrait by Uccello of Sir John Hawkwood, the English soldier of fortune who commanded the Florentine army at the age of 70 and earned a formidable reputation as one of the foremost mercenaries of the late middle ages. His life is an amazing story. He rose from modest beginnings in an Essex village, fought through the French campaigns of Edward III, went to Italy when he was 40 and played a leading role in ceaseless strife of the city-states that dominated that country. His success over so many years in such a brutal and uncertain age was founded on his exceptional skill as a soldier and commander, and it is this side of his career that Stephen Cooper explores in this perceptive and highly readable study.

Genres: Nonfiction, Italy

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Skeeffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book wanting a well researched, comprehensive account of John Hawkwood's life. This book definitely delivered that. Cooper avoids sensationalism and colourful prose, and as a result this text is rather dry. However, if you have a deep curiosity towards the life of Hawkwood, it should be enough to sustain your interest throughout this book.

[Ravi Singh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dry and academic, not as exciting as I thought it would be.

[Yaaresse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I don't have much interest in military tactics or 14th century politics. Primarily, I picked this book up as genealogy research. I'd hoped it would tell me more about what's known of Hawkwood's personal life and origin. Unfortunately, the information I wanted -- about Hawkwood's first wife (or mistress(es)) doesn't seem to exist. There were a few small morsels about his private life, but they are buried as incidental information among discussions of strategy and contracts. (For example, the fact that one of Hawkwood's illegitimate sons was held for ransom -- and dad was willing to call the capturer's bluff and not pay -- is casually mentioned in a chapter about customs of ransom and prisoner-taking.

In spite of my disinterest in the main content, I did find myself getting drawn into some parts of the book. The 14th century didn't lack for excitement. Hawkwood commanded mercenary companies well into his 70s and there are copious records of his military exploits, contractual disputes, and reputation among friend and foe alike. By most accounts, he was a strong leader with a head for business and a ruthless ability to serve whoever was bringing the gold to the table that day, even if it were his previous (or future) employer.

While the organization of the book is a bit messy -- Cooper groups chapters by topic more than chronology -- the material is more readable than I expected. The author takes the actions in the context of the times, so be prepared for graphic descriptions of what happens to the losers. Pillage, plunder, rape, and battery were all part of the job.

Side note: for anyone interested in military tactics and customs of 14th century Italian or German troops (say, as background for a historical fiction), this would probably be a very good resource.

[Anton Tomsinov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should be just two stars but the third one is for the author’s intention to judge massacres and bloodbaths only by their legitimacy in XIV century. That’s the only true way to understand history, we are fed up with modern sensitiveness and false innocence.
A book you can easily pass in favour of Caferro’s bio of Hawkwood. The structure is a mistake: instead of choosing either chronological or subject design the author tried to do both. As a result, first half of book became a brief overview of Hawkwood’s Italian career written so quick and dry that it would be rejected even at Wikipedia. Second half is divided by topics and delivers a better reading time.

[Michael Jecks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging history of a fascinating character. John Hawkwood was not a pleasant character, but he had one strong asset as a mercenary: he did keep to his word. At that period, a man who considered his word as his bond was unique enough. This was a terrible, brutal time, but the book gives a fair depiction of Hawkwood. An interesting read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very in depth account on the life of Hawkwood. Downside in the price and availability. It's $40 USD and there doesn't seem to be many new copies left which is a shame.