Henry V Paperback – October 23, 2009

Despite the price, I feel I had to write this review. First, the Table of Contents is completely useless after the first page of the first chapter. The last chapter ends 13 pages before it is listed. Secondly, the author provides genealogical connections throughout. Unfortunately, the book fails to provide an index to look back on previously mentioned figures. Thirdly, despite Henry V moving throughout England and much of modern day France and Belgium, not one map is provided. In desperation, I kept a copy of Desmond Seward's One Hundred Years War nearby (which I highly recommend). Next, this is a quote from page 175: "Apart from hi; general plans of campaign, he was also excellent oi of the field of battle, arranging his small force with great success, and being distinguished from most leaders of the Middle Ages by the skill which he used the physical features of the ground where his army had to fight." I normally ignore poor writing or editing as I'm after content. In this book, it cannot be ignored. Lastly, the author seems to be driven by wonderment of Henry Vs qualities (piety, affection by the masses, strength of rule and organization) that it appears throughout the book. Criticisms standout as they are so infrequent but then quickly dismissed by further evidence (?) that then contradicts the weakness in character just described. The author uses extensive use of writings from the following decades to present a picture of Henry. Too often the author then dismisses them as lacking factual support. I gave the book two stars only because I gained some knowledge of the incessant campaigns between England and France immediately after the battle of Agincourt.

Although the writing style is rather dry and scholarly, and in parts the detail is mind-numbing, this book gives a fascinating insight into a truly great king. Had he lived a longer life, he may well have had the impact of Elizabeth I, and who knows how different the English nation might have been. The book deals with Henry's works and the effects on the nation, without really giving a feel for Henry the man. Nonetheless a good read.

A very good biography of King Henry V. The book chronicles his life, the challenge he faced in taking a role while his father served as King, his learning to be a military leader. . . .In his \reign, England regained much of the territory in France that it had lost earlier. Under his leadership, the English forces triumphed over the French, often against heavy odds. Perhaps the best example was the kingdom's victory over the French hordes at Agincourt--a great slaughter, with the English longbowmen at the center of the victory.He accomplished a great deal as King--but died pretty young. The book discusses his leadership and also his personal life and his political skills. I am not sure that I would agree that he was England's greatest king--but he was a special monarch when compared with others.All in all, a very satisfying book.

Definitely a rich resource for the era! I learned quite a bit about the various money and family issues surrounding Henry IV and V! And, more understanding of the Welsh claims, and independence! Worth the Money! Worth the Time!Wc

Good book written from a factual and well footnoted point of view. Don't understand where it got its fiction rating.

It was interesting and gave me a good background on his time in history. However, it dragged a lot.

Very informative book. The author wrote history with passion

Lot's of information. Seems like it's a doctoral thesis.