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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Barker is worth a read, August 16, 2006
This review is from: Agincourt (Hardcover)
This is a very engaging work that goes beyond the simple logistics and mechanics of the campaign and battle. It is brings the major players to life in a way that the reader comes to understand their motivations and allegiances with biographical sketches woven throughout the book. Henry V is the main figure and is smpathetically treated. His sense of the noble purpose of the campaign and belief in the righteousness of his cause comes through clearly. By contrast, Charles VI and the Dauphin are no more than shadow characters, as they were in the entire Agincourt story. The book is rich in details of chivalry. For example, the story of Raoul de Gaucourt is followed from his life before the siege of Harfleur and through his leadership of the defense of the city. The strong defense of the city slowed Henry down and cost him unexpected men and material. When Harfleur fell, de Gaucourt surrendered to the king's justice. He was paroled with the expectation that he would appear at Calais to see what fate awaited him. After Agincourt, de Gaucourt presented himself to Henry at Calais and remained an English prisoner for some time. The reader gains a good appreciation of early 15th century chivalry. Barker also addresses other elements, often surprising to the modern reader, about the difficulties of a medieval campaign. Henry landed without maps as we know them and relied on local information and scouting parties to plan his route. Her discussion of the challenges an invading army has in findings its direction is just one of many that broadens the perspective beyond the Agincourt campaign. If you have an interest in the Hundred Years War or medieval warfare you'll find this book worth your time.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Most Famous Battles in English History, July 21, 2006
This review is from: Agincourt (Hardcover)
I found this book extremely readable and very entertaining. Not something you can say about a lot of historical tomes.
The author gives a compelling account of the actual battle. So much so that the smell of the horses, the blood and gore and all the other noxious smells that are part and parcel of a battlefield seem to pervade the readers nostrils.
However the book is not just about the battle itself but also about the participants particularly the English King, scheming churchmen and murderous Dukes. The knightly heroes, cowards, surgeons and spies. The book has them all.
The author has made it possible for history to be enjoyed by a wider audience, rather than the academic. History has always been interesting. Books written like this one will make many more readers aware of that fact.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great view into medieval life, July 21, 2006
This review is from: Agincourt (Hardcover)
I selected this book because of an interest in Henry V. However, the book is so full with anecdotes, stories and interesting tidbits about what life was like in the 15th century that it reads like a novel. Its really hard to put down. Highly recommended!
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