Henry V and the Conquest of France 1416-53 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Paul Knight (Author), Graham Turner (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: June 15, 1998

This book details the English army that Henry V led back into France in 1417 to conquer Normandy and again take the war to the French. In 1422 Henry died, and was succeeded by the nine-month-old Henry VI: by 1429 English fortunes were in decline, but more than 20 years of warfare would pass before the English were driven from France. This period of the war is often ignored in preference to the battles of Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt but in fact is the decisive phase of the conflict. This title examines the army that fought these campaigns in detail looking at its composition, organisation, equipment and weaponry.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Paul Knight has researched and re-enacted the fifteenth century for many years. This book originated as his undergraduate dissertation. He has also completed a Masters degree at Lancaster University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185532699X
• ISBN-13: 978-1855326996
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,097,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Conquest of France, December 21, 2007

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Henry V and the Conquest of France 1416-53 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

This book is an examination of the organization and armament of the British army from its crushing victory at Agincourt in 1415 to its defeat by French patriots at Castillon in 1453.

After a brief introduction (which includes a geneology of Anglo-French kings of the 14th and 15th Centuries and a useful chronology) the book discusses the battle formations, troop types, and social origins of Henry the Fifth's soldiery. Next the weaponry, armor, heraldry, and horses of the army are all discussed, albeit rather briefly. Following this is a brief summary of King Henry's campaign in France. After this are sections in discipline, logistics, training, experience of battle, and garrison life for Henry's troops, as well as brief sections on the navy and artillery of the English army of the Hundred Years War.

The plates, by the talented Graham Turner, are detailed, attractive, and do a good job of supporting the text. Overall this is a worthy effort, covering all arenas of this topic concisely and readably. It should be highly useful to a wargamer or amateur military historian researching this era.

5.0 out of 5 stars Archers and Man-at-arms, the "weapon" that almost conquered France, October 31, 2011

By 

Anibal Madeira (Lisboa Portugal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Henry V and the Conquest of France 1416-53 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

From the composition of the English army and its evolution throughout the first half of the XV century, the proportion between "lances" and archers, their equipment, training and discipline, to the main campaigns and battles that decided the fate of England, France, and the entire Occidental Europe.

This period saw the development of artillery, being used by both sides. There were new siege techniques using those new weapons.

It is also interesting that English armies weren't as devastating to the civilians in this period as they had been in the past. They considered France their land now, and there were strict disciplinary sanctions for perpetrators.

Also notice, like the author states, that the powerful English massed archery never managed to stop a French charge in its tracks; but severely weakened and disrupted it, bettering the odds of the English man-at-arms defeating the French demoralized warriors in hand to hand combat.

The paintings from Graham Turner are superb, realistically depicted and beautiful. They include the following pieces: On Board Ship; Battle of Baugé 1421; Artillery crew 1410; The Mines 1415; Early Lances; Later Lances; Uniforms and Camouflage; The Loss of Normandy 1449-50.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, Great Book, August 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Henry V and the Conquest of France 1416-53 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

Henry V and the Conquest of France is a Great Book to read and look at the pictures. Top of the line on Henry the V