The White Company / Sir Nigel

Sir Nigel and the White Company

by Arthur Conan Doyle (Introduction)

Perhaps the two best historical novels ever written about the Hundred Years War "[These two books] made an accurate picture of that great age, and that as a single piece of work they form the most complete, satisfying and ambitious thing I have ever done." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Certainly everyone has heard of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. His Sherlock Holmes stories will never be forgotten. But most people don't realize that he was also very possibly the best historical novelist of his day. Sir Nigel and the White Company combines two of his best novels into one. Sir Nigel describes the early years of Nigel Loring during his initial service with King Edward III during the Hundred Years War. Doyle captures the period brilliantly-from the cadence and style of their speech, to unforgettable descriptions of court life, to the capture of the Castle of La Brohiniere, to a stirring account of the Battle of Poitiers. It is a classic adventure tale, full of romance, chivalry, battles, brutality, and humor as the impoverished Nigel Loring and his attendant Aylward seek their fortunes. In The White Company, it is now 1366 and Sir Nigel is the leader of a raucous band of English bowmen known as the White Company. It's a story of hard blows and daring feats, to be sure, but it also captures the spirit that animated the English leaders and the reasons behind the fearsome reputation of the English archers. When Conan Doyle was once asked which novel of his was his favorite, he replied, The White Company. "I was young" he said, "and full of the first joy of life and action and I think I got some of it into my pages." If you enjoy reading about chivalrous knights and glorious deeds, in a context of historical accuracy, this book is for you. "Now order the ranks, and fling wide the banners, for our souls are God's, our bodies the king's, and our swords for Saint George and for England!" - The White Company

Genres: Historical Fiction, Classics, Fiction, Medieval, Adventure, Historical, Medieval History

Paperback

First published July 16, 2005

About the author

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.

Reviews

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great adventure tale. Conan Doyle was exceedingly proud of this book and although The White Company did not share the popularity of Sherlock Holmes, it proved to be popular in its own right. I wish this would have been made into a film.

The last three chapters certainly kept me reading. I was very glad when the White Company finally reached their destination. I was very worried about Sir Nigel. And, I was equally glad that everyone had their happy ending.

[Rebecca L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love this book! Its actually been years since I read it but it is one of those books that even though you read it when you where five you can still remember the plot line when your three hundred and ten you know? So well written and very exciting this book is a must read for those who love knights and that mysterious age of 'The Dark Ages'.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

About the Author

Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh in 1859. Sent off to boarding school, he cut his teeth as a story-teller amusing his schoolmates with tales and writing letters home to his mother. He practiced medicine and, in 1900, volunteered as a medic in Africa during the Boer War - he was later knighted for his service. Doyle lost a son, two brothers in law, and two nephews to the Great War. He is remembered for the Sherlock Holmes stories and his novel "The Lost World."

[O'Neal Sadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. The writing was fantastic. Beautiful and elegant, it was hard not to keep going. As I continued listening, I was just engrossed by the compelling narrative. Nigel isn't an "American-style" hero. In other words, he isn't a Edgar Rice Burroughs kind of hero: a blood curdling sociopath who equates "fighting" with vacuous "masculinity." No, this is very much a British hero. Sir Nigel is passionate but sensitive. He's honorable, but naive. He begins these two stories a young man in a hurry to prove himself, but by the time we discover him in THE WHITE COMPANY, he is an elder wisely conveying his experiences to his young protege (and son-in-law).

Here is Doyle exploring a sort of romantic view of the past. A chivalric by-gone era of maidens, noble kings, "righteous wars," and honorable warriors. It isn't true. History is far more complicated than that, as we well know, but Doyle prefers to world-build. It isn't so much history as an ideal very much a product of the Victorian/Edwardian time. If you want history, buy a history book. If you want adventure and literature at its best--these are the novels for you.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two historical novels about the Hundred Years War combined into one.It is an adventure tale, full of romance, chivalry and battles and brutality. It is 1366 and on ward and Sir Nigel Loring is the leader of a band of English bowmen known as the White Company and their adventures providing the reasons behind the fearsome reputation of the English archers which follows their service with King Edward III during the Hundred Years War from the fields of France into Spain.

The story focuses upon 4 men: Sir Nigel Loring, his squire 20 year old Alleyene Edricson , Samkin Alyward, and John Hordle.

[Mark Luongo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read, high praise for his battle sequences and the picture he paints of medieval times both in England and abroad. Though I must say Google or a dictionary is useful, or dare say I a must, as the language and diction can be a challenge at times. And I thought all he could do was Sherlock Holmes!

[Steve Parnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read these books when I was 15 or 16 and have revisited them many times since.

On one level they represent great historical escapism. On another level they offer an empathetic experience of the mindset of medieval chivalry.

If you have ever wondered what went on in the mind of someone like William Marshal, the greatest knight, this is arguably a good place to start. Great fun!

[Shatterlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these swashbuckling knightly tales, they are a lot of fun with lively characters going on adventures. Surely Arthur was having a laugh when he called one of the baddies The red ferret? And Oliver was great with his food obsession, even wanting to stop a battle for lunch.

[John McCaskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great books. Conan Doyle always wanted to write more historical fiction, but was “trapped” by Sherlock Holmes. There’s a mention of a man sending his sons to serve under “John Copeland,the Lord of the Marches and governor of Carlisle”. These Copelands get everywhere.

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read these on my Nook. Not bad, but Sir Arthur wasn't a good judge of his own works. The Sherlock Holmes canon is much better.

[Richard Elswick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding fiction

[Colleen Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and look into the lives of great men.


I recommend this book to all who love honor and adventure.
A look into the bravery and Valor of knighthood.

[Mariano Pallottini · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Le Saghe di un Nobile Cavaliere Inglese: I Romanzi di 'Sir Nigel' e 'The White Company'" combina due delle avventure storiche di Arthur Conan Doyle in una narrazione avvincente che immerge i lettori nel periodo cavalleresco e tumultuoso dell'Inghilterra medievale. Sebbene distinti, entrambi i romanzi si completano a vicenda, offrendo una visione panoramica del valore, dell'onore e delle complessità della cavalleria dell'epoca.

"Sir Nigel", il primo della sequenza, funge da prequel e introduce i lettori al giovane Nigel Loring, un underdog le cui aspirazioni e avventure incarnano l'essenza degli ideali cavallereschi. L'attenzione meticolosa di Doyle ai dettagli storici e il suo talento narrativo brillano nel ritrarre il viaggio di Nigel da scudiero ingenuo ma coraggioso a cavaliere rispettato. Lo sviluppo del personaggio è sfumato, catturando le prove e le tribolazioni che forgiano non solo un cavaliere, ma un uomo di onore e principio.
A seguire "Sir Nigel", "The White Company" eleva la saga espandendo l'ambito per includere un cast più ampio di personaggi, ciascuno dei quali contribuisce al ricco arazzo della narrazione. Ambientato durante la Guerra dei Cent'anni, esplora temi di fratellanza, lealtà e le dure realtà della guerra, contrapponendo le nozioni idealizzate di cavalleria alla durezza del combattimento medievale. La narrativa prospera sul suo spirito avventuroso, punteggiato da momenti di umorismo, tragedia e profonda cameratismo.

La maestria narrativa di Doyle è evidente nel modo in cui bilancia l'accuratezza storica con la libertà fittizia, creando scene che si sentono autentiche e vivacemente immaginative. Le sue descrizioni del paesaggio, delle battaglie e della vita quotidiana trasportano i lettori in un'epoca passata, rendendo i romanzi non solo una lettura, ma un'esperienza.

[Mariano Pallottini · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Sagas of an Honorable English Knight: The Novels of 'Sir Nigel' and 'The White Company'" combines two of Arthur Conan Doyle's historical adventures into a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the chivalric and tumultuous periods of medieval England. Both novels, while distinct, complement each other, offering a panoramic view of the age's valor, honor, and the complexities of knighthood.
"Sir Nigel," the first in the sequence, serves as a prequel and introduces readers to young Nigel Loring, an underdog whose aspirations and adventures encapsulate the essence of chivalric ideals. Doyle's meticulous attention to historical detail and his talent for storytelling shine as he portrays Nigel's journey from a naive yet brave squire to a respected knight. The character development is nuanced, capturing the trials and tribulations that forge not only a knight but a man of honor and principle.
Following "Sir Nigel," "The White Company" elevates the saga by expanding the scope to include a broader cast of characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Set during the Hundred Years' War, it explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the grim realities of warfare, contrasting the idealized notions of chivalry with the harshness of medieval combat. The narrative thrives on its adventurous spirit, punctuated by moments of humor, tragedy, and profound camaraderie.
Doyle's prowess as a storyteller is evident in how he balances historical accuracy with fictional liberty, crafting scenes that feel both authentic and vibrantly imaginative. His descriptions of the landscape, battles, and day-to-day life transport readers to a bygone era, making the novels not just a read but an experience.

[Viktor Messick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two fine tales from the Hundred Years War period. Many passages are haunting in their beauty.