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Henry V: The Conscience of a King
More than just a single-minded warrior-king, Henry V comes to life in this fresh account as a gifted ruler acutely conscious of spiritual matters and his subjects’ welfare.
Shakespeare’s centuries-old portrayal of Henry V established the king’s reputation as a warmongering monarch, a perception that has persisted ever since. But in this exciting, thoroughly researched volume a different view of Henry emerges: a multidimensional ruler of great piety, a hands-on governor who introduced a radically new conception of England’s European role in secular and ecclesiastical affairs, a composer of music, an art patron, and a dutiful king who fully appreciated his obligations toward those he ruled.
Historian Malcolm Vale draws on extensive primary archival evidence that includes many documents annotated or endorsed in Henry’s own hand. Focusing on a series of themes — the interaction between king and church, the rise of the English language as a medium of government and politics, the role of ceremony in Henry’s kingship, and more — Vale revises understandings of Henry V and his conduct of the everyday affairs of England, Normandy, and the kingdom of France.
Shakespeare’s centuries-old portrayal of Henry V established the king’s reputation as a warmongering monarch, a perception that has persisted ever since. But in this exciting, thoroughly researched volume a different view of Henry emerges: a multidimensional ruler of great piety, a hands-on governor who introduced a radically new conception of England’s European role in secular and ecclesiastical affairs, a composer of music, an art patron, and a dutiful king who fully appreciated his obligations toward those he ruled.
Historian Malcolm Vale draws on extensive primary archival evidence that includes many documents annotated or endorsed in Henry’s own hand. Focusing on a series of themes — the interaction between king and church, the rise of the English language as a medium of government and politics, the role of ceremony in Henry’s kingship, and more — Vale revises understandings of Henry V and his conduct of the everyday affairs of England, Normandy, and the kingdom of France.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 11, 2017
this book looks more at the mannerisms of the king rather than a standard biography. His injuries suffered at the Battle of Shrewsbury (1403) which may influenced him more than other historians had noted. Felt this was a refreshing approach to the subject matter.
October 11, 2016
Peaceful pursuits of the warrior-king...
In his introduction, Malcolm Vale suggests that Henry V's reputation as a warrior-king shows only one aspect of his character, and not necessarily the most important one in letting us understand the man. To make his case, Vale looks at Henry's other activities – how he carried out the daily business of government, how he dealt with matters of the Church, his involvement in encouragement of the arts, etc. Since, unusually for the time, Henry often wrote letters in his own hand, Vale suggests that for the first time we get to hear the actual 'voice' of a monarch.
This book is neither a history of the period nor a full biography of Henry. It is an extremely detailed look at various aspects of Henry's reign, but makes no attempt to tell his whole 'story'. Because of its focus on Henry's peaceful activities, it only touches on his wars in passing. It's academic in tone and assumes some familiarity on the part of the reader with the events and main players of the time. It's therefore not a book for beginners. Since I most definitely am a beginner to this period of history, I would have struggled badly had it not been for the fortunate circumstance that I very recently read a biography of Henry IV, which gave me some background to the political situation in England and Europe. However, this is not in any way a criticism of the book. Vale sets out his agenda clearly in his introduction and fully meets it.
Each chapter covers one aspect of Henry's reign. Vale starts with a look at how the daily business of government was carried out, showing the high level of personal involvement of Henry in decisions large and small. He shows how a bureaucracy grew up to streamline this and take some of the pressure off the King, and also to provide a consistent approach during Henry's long absences in France. Vale goes into great detail over the uses of the various seals and signets and under what circumstances each was used. Henry is shown as having taken his duty as a monarch seriously, trying to provide justice and working closely with his council. Vale shows that, more than previous Kings, Henry's own manual signature often appears on documents, suggesting that this was done as an extra indication of his personal will in certain matters.
Vale also discusses Henry's involvement in Church matters, both at home and abroad. Henry is shown as genuinely religious, with a desire to support and protect religious establishments while expecting them to live up to their part of the bargain by curbing absenteeism, reforming some of the areas of abuse and tending to the cure of souls. Partly because of the weakness of papal authority due to the Schism, Henry had considerable power over appointments, and Vale suggests that he was effectively head of the church within his own territories, two centuries before Henry VIII's break with Rome.
Henry's interest in the peaceful arts comes under scrutiny too, showing his direct involvement in encouraging and even participating in them. It appears he may have composed music himself, as well as playing the harp. He read fairly widely, both religious and imaginative works, and commissioned translations. He also commissioned artistic work that formed part of the trappings of power – tapestries and textiles, ornamental and military metalwork, etc.
The chapter I found most interesting discusses Henry's increasing use and promotion of the English language as his reign progressed. At the beginning of the reign, Norman French and Latin were still the languages of government, but from about the middle of his reign on, English begins to appear more often and Henry himself begins to write letters in that language. Vale suggests that this is a result of Henry's desire to show that, should he succeed in gaining the crown of France, the two countries would remain separate, distinct entities with their own laws and identities. At that time, English was seen as an unsophisticated language without the vocabulary or nuance required of a language of government. Vale shows how much of the formal language was adopted wholesale from Norman French, either anglicised or literally translated. He also shows that even now, six centuries later, some of the phrases put into use in Henry's time are still used in formal Parliamentary documents. This was the time of Chaucer and other early writers in English, and Vale discusses the literary development of the language, suggesting that the King's influence in promoting English was crucial in its growth.
In conclusion, I feel Vale makes his case that there was much more to Henry V than simply being the warrior of Agincourt fame. The research that has gone into the book is clearly immense and it is well written and presented. Obviously I am not qualified to judge the accuracy of the facts or conclusions, but I found it a convincing read. Personally I found parts of it a little dry and repetitive and perhaps too detailed, but I put that down to a mismatch between reader and book. In tone, I would suggest it is aimed more at the academic reader, or at least a knowledgeable and enthusiastic amateur, than at the casual reader. Nonetheless I learned a good deal, not just about Henry, but about governance of the time, the growth of the English language, and the relationships between monarchy, religious institutions and the Papacy. 4 stars for me, but I'm confident this would be a 5-star read for someone with greater pre-knowledge of the period.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Yale University Press.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
In his introduction, Malcolm Vale suggests that Henry V's reputation as a warrior-king shows only one aspect of his character, and not necessarily the most important one in letting us understand the man. To make his case, Vale looks at Henry's other activities – how he carried out the daily business of government, how he dealt with matters of the Church, his involvement in encouragement of the arts, etc. Since, unusually for the time, Henry often wrote letters in his own hand, Vale suggests that for the first time we get to hear the actual 'voice' of a monarch.
This book is neither a history of the period nor a full biography of Henry. It is an extremely detailed look at various aspects of Henry's reign, but makes no attempt to tell his whole 'story'. Because of its focus on Henry's peaceful activities, it only touches on his wars in passing. It's academic in tone and assumes some familiarity on the part of the reader with the events and main players of the time. It's therefore not a book for beginners. Since I most definitely am a beginner to this period of history, I would have struggled badly had it not been for the fortunate circumstance that I very recently read a biography of Henry IV, which gave me some background to the political situation in England and Europe. However, this is not in any way a criticism of the book. Vale sets out his agenda clearly in his introduction and fully meets it.
Each chapter covers one aspect of Henry's reign. Vale starts with a look at how the daily business of government was carried out, showing the high level of personal involvement of Henry in decisions large and small. He shows how a bureaucracy grew up to streamline this and take some of the pressure off the King, and also to provide a consistent approach during Henry's long absences in France. Vale goes into great detail over the uses of the various seals and signets and under what circumstances each was used. Henry is shown as having taken his duty as a monarch seriously, trying to provide justice and working closely with his council. Vale shows that, more than previous Kings, Henry's own manual signature often appears on documents, suggesting that this was done as an extra indication of his personal will in certain matters.
Vale also discusses Henry's involvement in Church matters, both at home and abroad. Henry is shown as genuinely religious, with a desire to support and protect religious establishments while expecting them to live up to their part of the bargain by curbing absenteeism, reforming some of the areas of abuse and tending to the cure of souls. Partly because of the weakness of papal authority due to the Schism, Henry had considerable power over appointments, and Vale suggests that he was effectively head of the church within his own territories, two centuries before Henry VIII's break with Rome.
Henry's interest in the peaceful arts comes under scrutiny too, showing his direct involvement in encouraging and even participating in them. It appears he may have composed music himself, as well as playing the harp. He read fairly widely, both religious and imaginative works, and commissioned translations. He also commissioned artistic work that formed part of the trappings of power – tapestries and textiles, ornamental and military metalwork, etc.
The chapter I found most interesting discusses Henry's increasing use and promotion of the English language as his reign progressed. At the beginning of the reign, Norman French and Latin were still the languages of government, but from about the middle of his reign on, English begins to appear more often and Henry himself begins to write letters in that language. Vale suggests that this is a result of Henry's desire to show that, should he succeed in gaining the crown of France, the two countries would remain separate, distinct entities with their own laws and identities. At that time, English was seen as an unsophisticated language without the vocabulary or nuance required of a language of government. Vale shows how much of the formal language was adopted wholesale from Norman French, either anglicised or literally translated. He also shows that even now, six centuries later, some of the phrases put into use in Henry's time are still used in formal Parliamentary documents. This was the time of Chaucer and other early writers in English, and Vale discusses the literary development of the language, suggesting that the King's influence in promoting English was crucial in its growth.
In conclusion, I feel Vale makes his case that there was much more to Henry V than simply being the warrior of Agincourt fame. The research that has gone into the book is clearly immense and it is well written and presented. Obviously I am not qualified to judge the accuracy of the facts or conclusions, but I found it a convincing read. Personally I found parts of it a little dry and repetitive and perhaps too detailed, but I put that down to a mismatch between reader and book. In tone, I would suggest it is aimed more at the academic reader, or at least a knowledgeable and enthusiastic amateur, than at the casual reader. Nonetheless I learned a good deal, not just about Henry, but about governance of the time, the growth of the English language, and the relationships between monarchy, religious institutions and the Papacy. 4 stars for me, but I'm confident this would be a 5-star read for someone with greater pre-knowledge of the period.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Yale University Press.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
August 19, 2018
I regard this as the best book on Henry V in a generation: and I am not inclined to hyperbole or exaggeration in book reviews. Dr. Vale’s masterstroke with this work was to focus on the non-military aspects of Henry’s reign.
Of course, he’s best known as a Warrior King, but as Vale mentions, he only actually fought two pitched battles in his entire life: Agincourt and Shrewsbury in 1403.
Yet, as this work establishes, there was much more to Henry than that. I knew before I read this book that Henry V was interested in music, and I recall hearing about him having possibly composed a couple of musical scores in a David Starkey documentary years ago. Who knew that alongside that, Henry actually knew how to play three instruments, including the harp? It’s still sort of hard to imagine him playing the harp, but apparently, he did. He was also very interested in Literature and even architecture, and a friend to many scholars and men of learning.
15th century Kings and royals had come far from the ‘feudal spur-clanking boneheads’ of past centuries. One might consider them the precursors of Renaissance men and women. Henry also did much to promote the use of the vernacular, by insisting on having certain texts and documents written or translated into English, including those relating to the royal administration and government.
Another interesting takeaway from this book was that Henry was neither a religious fanatic, nor a bigot: or at least the evidence does not seem to support this. Much has been made by some recent authors of the fact that seven men were burned for heresy in the first year of Henry’s reign. This event, though, is often taken out of context: it was not just a random pogrom, but in direct response to the so called ‘Lollard Rising’ or Oldcastle Rising of 1414. It bears mentioning that most of those involved do not seem to have been Lollard, followers of the teachings of John Wycliffe, or driven by religious zeal at all. In fact, over 40 people were hanged as ordinary rebels for their role in the rising, not for anything related to religion.
Even as a personal sympathizer with Wycliffe and the Lollard movement, its hard to deny that this event did more harm that good. As has been written, it ‘represented the merging of heresy and sedition that was to doom the Lollard movement to a largely covert existence’: and move it far away from the vision which its founder conceived of.
The author put matters into and put into perspective by demonstrating that the persecution and burnings during his reign were not even comparable to the numbers killed during the Albigensian Crusade and later persecutions of the Cathars, the suppression of the Templars or Protestantism by rulers in the following century. Less than 15 people were burned for heresy in total during his reign: so Henry was ‘no Charles V or Philip II of Spain’ and no Mary Tudor, it might be added. There’s even evidence to suggest he pardoned Lollards, on occasion.
Overall, the book is very readable, but cannot criticized for not being scholarly enough or lacking references: Yale University Press generally sets the bar high for its History books, and this is no exception. The chapters on Henry’s engagement in the church and religion where a little heavygoing, and some readers might choose to skim them or skip them altogether but the book highly recommended despite these. By the end, the skeptical reader may well come away with a newfound respect for Henry. He emerges as a cultured man of genuine conscience and conviction, who although flawed does seem to have had a genuine care and regard for the good of his kingdom and subjects.
The author’s conclusion stating that is is not the place of historians to sit in anachronistic judgement on figures from the far distant past to declare them goodies or baddies is very convincing.
“The abstract judgements that tend to be produced… do not necessarily illuminate or explain the attitudes and beaviour of those who walked and rode in the relatively remote past… Hence this book has sought out evidence for the direct action and engagement of its human subject wherever it can be found…To read what Henry V himself read, handle what he himself handled, and sometimes trace his own hand on a letter, a petition or a memorandum with one’s own may bring us as close as we will ever get to that remarkable individual”
My copy already boasts underlining, dog-earing, and a much scuffed dust cover. Generally considered badges of honour and careful reading on my bookshelves. Go get yourself a copy today: and a paperback edition from the Publisher might be nice.
Of course, he’s best known as a Warrior King, but as Vale mentions, he only actually fought two pitched battles in his entire life: Agincourt and Shrewsbury in 1403.
Yet, as this work establishes, there was much more to Henry than that. I knew before I read this book that Henry V was interested in music, and I recall hearing about him having possibly composed a couple of musical scores in a David Starkey documentary years ago. Who knew that alongside that, Henry actually knew how to play three instruments, including the harp? It’s still sort of hard to imagine him playing the harp, but apparently, he did. He was also very interested in Literature and even architecture, and a friend to many scholars and men of learning.
15th century Kings and royals had come far from the ‘feudal spur-clanking boneheads’ of past centuries. One might consider them the precursors of Renaissance men and women. Henry also did much to promote the use of the vernacular, by insisting on having certain texts and documents written or translated into English, including those relating to the royal administration and government.
Another interesting takeaway from this book was that Henry was neither a religious fanatic, nor a bigot: or at least the evidence does not seem to support this. Much has been made by some recent authors of the fact that seven men were burned for heresy in the first year of Henry’s reign. This event, though, is often taken out of context: it was not just a random pogrom, but in direct response to the so called ‘Lollard Rising’ or Oldcastle Rising of 1414. It bears mentioning that most of those involved do not seem to have been Lollard, followers of the teachings of John Wycliffe, or driven by religious zeal at all. In fact, over 40 people were hanged as ordinary rebels for their role in the rising, not for anything related to religion.
Even as a personal sympathizer with Wycliffe and the Lollard movement, its hard to deny that this event did more harm that good. As has been written, it ‘represented the merging of heresy and sedition that was to doom the Lollard movement to a largely covert existence’: and move it far away from the vision which its founder conceived of.
The author put matters into and put into perspective by demonstrating that the persecution and burnings during his reign were not even comparable to the numbers killed during the Albigensian Crusade and later persecutions of the Cathars, the suppression of the Templars or Protestantism by rulers in the following century. Less than 15 people were burned for heresy in total during his reign: so Henry was ‘no Charles V or Philip II of Spain’ and no Mary Tudor, it might be added. There’s even evidence to suggest he pardoned Lollards, on occasion.
Overall, the book is very readable, but cannot criticized for not being scholarly enough or lacking references: Yale University Press generally sets the bar high for its History books, and this is no exception. The chapters on Henry’s engagement in the church and religion where a little heavygoing, and some readers might choose to skim them or skip them altogether but the book highly recommended despite these. By the end, the skeptical reader may well come away with a newfound respect for Henry. He emerges as a cultured man of genuine conscience and conviction, who although flawed does seem to have had a genuine care and regard for the good of his kingdom and subjects.
The author’s conclusion stating that is is not the place of historians to sit in anachronistic judgement on figures from the far distant past to declare them goodies or baddies is very convincing.
“The abstract judgements that tend to be produced… do not necessarily illuminate or explain the attitudes and beaviour of those who walked and rode in the relatively remote past… Hence this book has sought out evidence for the direct action and engagement of its human subject wherever it can be found…To read what Henry V himself read, handle what he himself handled, and sometimes trace his own hand on a letter, a petition or a memorandum with one’s own may bring us as close as we will ever get to that remarkable individual”
My copy already boasts underlining, dog-earing, and a much scuffed dust cover. Generally considered badges of honour and careful reading on my bookshelves. Go get yourself a copy today: and a paperback edition from the Publisher might be nice.
June 27, 2021
Excessively academic, torturously boring.
I'm trying to figure out how much Henry V deserved his sterling reputation, being aware of his many critics. This book didn't help much, as it mostly presented example after example after example of things the man said and did - and not much more.
Were I writing a thesis or dissertation on Henry's role in the widespread use of Middle English, his relation to the church, or his efforts as an administrator, this book would be a wonderful resource. But for virtually any other purpose, it is academic overkill, and lacks any ability to captivate or entertain the reader.
I'm trying to figure out how much Henry V deserved his sterling reputation, being aware of his many critics. This book didn't help much, as it mostly presented example after example after example of things the man said and did - and not much more.
Were I writing a thesis or dissertation on Henry's role in the widespread use of Middle English, his relation to the church, or his efforts as an administrator, this book would be a wonderful resource. But for virtually any other purpose, it is academic overkill, and lacks any ability to captivate or entertain the reader.
March 14, 2023
No a great biography, even if it is an interesting look into the character of Henry V
January 26, 2025
Is this a fun read? No, absolutely not. In fact, the first two chapters are the most difficult to follow and, in my opinion, the least engaging.
Is this book essential for a more complete understanding of Henry V as a man and ruler? Most certainly. I wish, perhaps, that I had picked this book up once I’d read more than 20-30 books on Henry V and the mechanics of the fifteenth century, because then I would be in a better position to understand everything that this masterful piece has to offer.
Even so, I’ve read enough Henry V material to gain a deep interest in the character—his thought processes, his involvement in all branches of government, his rigid stance on Catholicism and his conviction that God was on his side. This book opened my eyes to aspects of his character that I didn’t really consider, such as his use of his sign manual and signet, his preference for the more austere, contemplative branches of Christian worship and, perhaps most influential of all the aspects of his character mentioned in the book, his promotion of Middle English, both written and spoken.
So yes, I’ll award it four stars. Brace yourself, it can be tough at times, but once you’ve got through it you’ll be very glad you read it.
P.S Malcom Vale is most certainly not a fan of the narrative span by Ian Mortimer in his book ‘1415: Henry V’s year of glory’. Keep an eye out for the cheeky shade thrown here and there.
Is this book essential for a more complete understanding of Henry V as a man and ruler? Most certainly. I wish, perhaps, that I had picked this book up once I’d read more than 20-30 books on Henry V and the mechanics of the fifteenth century, because then I would be in a better position to understand everything that this masterful piece has to offer.
Even so, I’ve read enough Henry V material to gain a deep interest in the character—his thought processes, his involvement in all branches of government, his rigid stance on Catholicism and his conviction that God was on his side. This book opened my eyes to aspects of his character that I didn’t really consider, such as his use of his sign manual and signet, his preference for the more austere, contemplative branches of Christian worship and, perhaps most influential of all the aspects of his character mentioned in the book, his promotion of Middle English, both written and spoken.
So yes, I’ll award it four stars. Brace yourself, it can be tough at times, but once you’ve got through it you’ll be very glad you read it.
P.S Malcom Vale is most certainly not a fan of the narrative span by Ian Mortimer in his book ‘1415: Henry V’s year of glory’. Keep an eye out for the cheeky shade thrown here and there.
May 27, 2020
Malcolm Vale's book about Henry V is not a traditional biography. Instead, assuming the reader knows the life of the late medieval warrior-king Henry V already, Vale attempts to understand the man through a rigorous study of primary resources. His scholarship is an A. But the book's entertainment value is more like a C-.
Quite simply, the book was too dry. There is very little about the traditional Henry V "stuff" like the Battle of Agincourt, England in the 1400s, and other larger themes. Instead, Vale focuses a laser intensity on documents that survive from that era. As Vale pores over each document, many of which are very routine bureaucratic ones, ad nauseam creeps in and it gets repetitive. As much as I respect Vale's research, I would rather have a more concise summary of his findings. In the book, Vale shows that Henry V was about as good of a king of England as can be imagined for the early 1400s: he promoted the vernacular English language, was a patron of the arts (even composing music), took being king very seriously and often attended to minor matters (using a personal stamp on many documents), wanted Church matters to be fairly sorted out, and was more temperate about war than expected. But the book's electricity was too dim for me and I found large parts of it dull. Hardcore Henry V fans might like this one more than I did.
Quite simply, the book was too dry. There is very little about the traditional Henry V "stuff" like the Battle of Agincourt, England in the 1400s, and other larger themes. Instead, Vale focuses a laser intensity on documents that survive from that era. As Vale pores over each document, many of which are very routine bureaucratic ones, ad nauseam creeps in and it gets repetitive. As much as I respect Vale's research, I would rather have a more concise summary of his findings. In the book, Vale shows that Henry V was about as good of a king of England as can be imagined for the early 1400s: he promoted the vernacular English language, was a patron of the arts (even composing music), took being king very seriously and often attended to minor matters (using a personal stamp on many documents), wanted Church matters to be fairly sorted out, and was more temperate about war than expected. But the book's electricity was too dim for me and I found large parts of it dull. Hardcore Henry V fans might like this one more than I did.
December 7, 2020
It’s my fault for picking a book which rightly bills itself as “not a conventional biography.” So I have no one to blame for the (sometimes interesting) minutiae to which I subjected myself. I mean, a chapter on the practice of using seals? Brilliant stuff for another reader. I’m off to find a straight up biography; but not any time soon. This was great for what it was. It simply isn’t what I wanted. No harm no foul. I’m sure I’ll reread it after I read another Henry V biography. 3 stars. #bibliophile #book #bookish #booklover #books #books2020 #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #goodreads #instabook #instabooks #reader #readers #reading #readersofinstagram #bookreview
July 4, 2023
An attempt to show that the king was more thatn his warrior reputation by a cross sectional look at the everyday matters of kingship, his use of the English Language and his relationship with religion. A good companion to a time line history showing in more depth certain aspects which make him more human. I would have liked more on his supposed playboy days and if possible his relationship with Katherine to give more of the view of the whole man.
For me a few to many examples but one cannot decry that as it adds to the authenticity
For me a few to many examples but one cannot decry that as it adds to the authenticity
August 6, 2022
A good update or adjacent work after having read Henry V by Allmand. Don't read this work as your first on Henry V, you'll be disappointed. But it does add a gloss to other biographies, and especially to the mythologizing that has occurred with Henry V. It considers such questions as: was Henry V really a warrior-king? How reactionary was his religious thought? What was the role of English in his reign, and how did it affect future reigns?
July 12, 2023
3.75
Really thorough research, heavily focused on sources, but you still feel a real distance from the subject. It definitely focuses on the context over personal biography, and has some success in arguing how Henry's role in areas outside of military valour can be inferred from the sources presented. However, a reader would still require other texts if looking to get standard text for this monarch.
Really thorough research, heavily focused on sources, but you still feel a real distance from the subject. It definitely focuses on the context over personal biography, and has some success in arguing how Henry's role in areas outside of military valour can be inferred from the sources presented. However, a reader would still require other texts if looking to get standard text for this monarch.
February 9, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. Malcolm Vale, a historian, prepared a excellent in-depth study of Henry V. setting aside myths and misconceptions along the way. Throughly enjoyable.
December 17, 2019
In the past half-century or so, there has been attempts to re-evaluate Henry V, to separate his character and reign from the hyperbole that surrounds him. Was he really the “greatest king” to ever rule England? Was he a bad man but a good king? Or a bad king and a worse man? What really was his legacy? But in the midst of all these debates, the one constant of Henry V is that he was a warrior king.
This is what makes Malcolm Vale’s Henry V: The Conscience of a King so interesting. He is not interested in making a moral judgement of Henry V or categorising Henry as “good” or “bad”. He is not interested in exploring of Henry’s military career and achievements. Instead, his focus is on Henry V as a king outside of the military arena and explores Henry’s actions relating to the “everyday business” of kingship, the peaceful arts, the promotion of the English language, the personalisation of kingship, and the Church. Above all, Vale locates his study of Henry V in the evidence of his direct action and engagement, in his words and deeds.
This is not a conventional biography, focusing more around a themed study of Henry’s character. To that end, I would only recommend this to readers already familiar with Henry’s life. However, Vale’s writing is clear and accessible and although he quotes copiously from primary sources, these are rendered in modern English (often with the original text noted in the footnotes).
As indicated above, Vale is not interested in making a moral judgement on Henry V and he never does, though he does critique some of the harsher judgements on Henry’s character. The portrait I gleaned from these pages is one of a man with extraordinary focus and abilities, concerned with precepts of justice and fairness, exacting and demanding, pious and a skilled composer of music.
For me, Henry V: The Conscience of a King is a book that anyone interested in understanding, researching or writing about Henry V should read. While there is no denying Henry V’s martial abilities, Vale’s biography throws light on areas of his character often neglected or overshadowed by his military triumphs and reveals a man far more complex and extraordinary than we might previously have guessed.
This is what makes Malcolm Vale’s Henry V: The Conscience of a King so interesting. He is not interested in making a moral judgement of Henry V or categorising Henry as “good” or “bad”. He is not interested in exploring of Henry’s military career and achievements. Instead, his focus is on Henry V as a king outside of the military arena and explores Henry’s actions relating to the “everyday business” of kingship, the peaceful arts, the promotion of the English language, the personalisation of kingship, and the Church. Above all, Vale locates his study of Henry V in the evidence of his direct action and engagement, in his words and deeds.
This is not a conventional biography, focusing more around a themed study of Henry’s character. To that end, I would only recommend this to readers already familiar with Henry’s life. However, Vale’s writing is clear and accessible and although he quotes copiously from primary sources, these are rendered in modern English (often with the original text noted in the footnotes).
As indicated above, Vale is not interested in making a moral judgement on Henry V and he never does, though he does critique some of the harsher judgements on Henry’s character. The portrait I gleaned from these pages is one of a man with extraordinary focus and abilities, concerned with precepts of justice and fairness, exacting and demanding, pious and a skilled composer of music.
For me, Henry V: The Conscience of a King is a book that anyone interested in understanding, researching or writing about Henry V should read. While there is no denying Henry V’s martial abilities, Vale’s biography throws light on areas of his character often neglected or overshadowed by his military triumphs and reveals a man far more complex and extraordinary than we might previously have guessed.
April 12, 2017
The thesis of this book is that Henry the Fifth was much more than merely a "warrior-king." This book is not a biography; rather, it investigates several areas of kingship that Henry pursued heartily. The first chapter deals with administration and bureaucracy. Vale examines documents from the period that exhibit Henry's own handwriting and seals. The king was intimately involved in everyday decisions of his court. Next Vale investigates the king's efforts to spread the use of English. Interestingly, the fact that Henry claimed both France and England as his dominion led to greater use of English, for Henry wanted both realms to maintain a sense of unique identity--evidently he thought this would make the French more likely to acquiesce to his rule.
Further chapters study the king and the church. Henry was apparently a man of true faith. He wasn't perfect in this area, by any means (are any of us?); for instance, he totally rejected the reforms of Wycliffe and the Lollards, remaining bound to the staid Romanism of his day. And yet he took piety seriously, and sought to strengthen his church. I know we are supposed to be for disestablishment of the church these days, but Henry shows that there are clearly some advantages to a state church (although I'd not argue they outweigh the drawbacks).
Lastly Vale investigates Henry's interactions with the arts. There is strong evidence that the king actually wrote a few highly developed pieces of music himself. He also supported the visual arts, mostly by purchasing a great deal of it for all his homes and castles!
All in all, this is a good look inside the mind of a fascinating man. Some have argued that Henry V was the best man to ever rule Britain. Vale stops short of advancing this claim, but the evidence is convincing.
Further chapters study the king and the church. Henry was apparently a man of true faith. He wasn't perfect in this area, by any means (are any of us?); for instance, he totally rejected the reforms of Wycliffe and the Lollards, remaining bound to the staid Romanism of his day. And yet he took piety seriously, and sought to strengthen his church. I know we are supposed to be for disestablishment of the church these days, but Henry shows that there are clearly some advantages to a state church (although I'd not argue they outweigh the drawbacks).
Lastly Vale investigates Henry's interactions with the arts. There is strong evidence that the king actually wrote a few highly developed pieces of music himself. He also supported the visual arts, mostly by purchasing a great deal of it for all his homes and castles!
All in all, this is a good look inside the mind of a fascinating man. Some have argued that Henry V was the best man to ever rule Britain. Vale stops short of advancing this claim, but the evidence is convincing.
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