“The greatest writer of historical adventures today” (Washington Post) tackles his richest, most thrilling subject yet—the heroic tale of Agincourt.
Young Nicholas Hook is dogged by a cursed past—haunted by what he has failed to do and banished for what he has done. A wanted man in England, he is driven to fight as a mercenary archer in France, where he finds two things he can love: his … things he can love: his instincts as a fighting man, and a girl in trouble. Together they survive the notorious massacre at Soissons, an event that shocks all Christendom. With no options left, Hook heads home to England, where his capture means certain death. Instead he is discovered by the young King of England—Henry V himself—and by royal command he takes up the longbow again and dons the cross of Saint George. Hook returns to France as part of the superb army Henry leads in his quest to claim the French crown. But after the English campaign suffers devastating early losses, it becomes clear that Hook and his fellow archers are their king’s last resort in a desperate fight against an enemy more daunting than they could ever have imagined.
One of the most dramatic victories in British history, the battle of Agincourt—immortalized by Shakespeare in Henry V—pitted undermanned and overwhelmed English forces against a French army determined to keep their crown out of Henry’s hands. Here Bernard Cornwell resurrects the legend of the battle and the “band of brothers” who fought it on October 25, 1415. An epic of redemption, Agincourt follows a commoner, a king, and a nation’s entire army on an improbable mission to test the will of God and reclaim what is rightfully theirs. From the disasters at the siege of Harfleur to the horrors of the field of Agincourt, this exhilarating story of survival and slaughter is at once a brilliant work of history and a triumph of imagination—Bernard Cornwell at his best.
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An entertaining and gripping re-telling of the Battle of Agincourt. I recommend it highly.
Bernard Cornwell is a genius story-teller. I can say that because I’ve read all his books except the Sharpe series, which I intend to do in the future.
If you don’t care for vivid descriptions of battle (i.e. violence and gore) this is NOT a book for you. I’m a fan of well-researched, historical fiction and Cornwell once again does a good job and yet makes for an entertaining yarn. Enjoyable read. Enough of a story to keep it from reading like a mere repetition of event A happened on date B. At …
One of the best books I have ever read!
One of my favorites
terrific military history book. great read
This book is amazing like all of Cornwells books very realistic with great characters
I love it
Awesome historical novel that makes you glad you weren’t fighting in those days 😉
Nicholas Hook is my favorite longbowman since Thomas of Hookton! This novel is classic Bernard Cornwell, filled with memorable characters (including a French knight nicknamed “The Lord of Hell”), tons of tension, and thrilling fight scenes, all leading up the epic battle between the English and the French at Agincourt. If you like medieval …
I’m a fan of Cornwall and his style of historical fiction. I believe he shows great insight into battle, and a great eye for historical nuances. Not a great romance writer, thoiugh
If you love historical books with great characters then this is your book. The narrator is wonderful and give life to the story.
Recently, my dad asked if the first Bernard Cornwell novel he lent me in high school (Sharpe’s Eagle) set me on the path to majoring in history. It probably did.
Cornwell is a master of historical fiction. Specifically, he’s a master of historical military fiction. His Richard Sharpe series follows a British solider through the Napoleonic Wars. …
Truely love Bernard Cornwell!!
You can’t beat any of Cornwell’s books
Typical Bernard Cornwell. Good read, engrossing, man does his research. I have listened to most of his books over the years and have yet to be disappointed by any of them.