Bowman of Crecy [Paperback]

Ronald Welch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997

Set in the 14th century, this novel follows Hugh Fletcher and his band of outlaws who live in the forests on the English-Welsh border. Hugh is offered a commission in Sir John Carey's company to take part in King Edward III's campaign against France, culminating in the Battle of Crecy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Oxford Childrens (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192717464
• ISBN-13: 978-0192717467
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #944,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The longbow arrives, March 23, 2004

By 

R. Rowan (Scranton, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bowman of Crecy (Paperback)

Published in 1966, "Bowman of Crecy" is an exciting historical novel set near the start of the Hundred Years' War. Relating Hugh Fletcher's adventures, Ronald Welch explains some of the technical aspects of 14th century archery. Broadhead arrows were used to bring down horses; slimmer 'warheads' could penetrate a knight's body armor.

Welch taught military history. His retelling of the 1346 Battle of Crecy (France) is accurate, down to the carrion crows and the thunderstorm. The longbow revolutionized warfare at Crecy. In five minutes, English and Welsh archers loosed over 30,000 arrows, cutting down 1500 mounted French knights. After this battle, armies placed foot soldiers and archers in the vanguard, with mounted knights to the rear.

Ronald Welch was a terrific storyteller, yet just one of his books remains readily available. See my review of "The Gauntlet" for a list of his other titles. Check your local library.