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Agincourt, 1415: Field of Blood
A gripping fictionalized account of the landmark battle that turned the tide of history. On October 25, 1415, a trapped and vastly outnumbered force of exhausted and demoralized English archers and men-at-arms faced a colossal army of French knights on a desolate field in northern France. What took place that day became one of the greatest moments of the Hundred Years’ War and English history. Based on chronicles of the times, Agincourt 1415: Field of Blood is a dramatic, minute-by-minute retelling of the battle as seen through the eyes of the commanders and soldiers on both sides. This is a brutal, bloody, and captivating retelling of a major British victory written by a Pulitzer Prize finalist. This work sets a new standard for historical fiction. “If you look for a book to read on a chair next to the fireplace holding a glass of whiskey, this book is highly recommendable.” —Historic Battlefield Tours
- GenresHistorical Fiction
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2017
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72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 10, 2022
Do you love historical fiction? Agincourt, 1415 is one that you need to read! This book brought this section of the Hundred Years War to a more vivid and amazing read. I was sucked into this book, and could not put it down!
Publication Date: Available now
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Agincourt, 1415 Goodreads Review
On October 25, 1415, a trapped and vastly outnumbered force of exhausted and demoralized English archers and men-at-arms faced a colossal army of French knights on a desolate field in northern France. What took place that day became one of the greatest moments of the Hundred Years’ War and English history.
Based on chronicles of the times, Agincourt 1415: Field of Blood is a dramatic, minute-by-minute retelling of the battle as seen through the eyes of the commanders and soldiers on both sides. This is a brutal, bloody, and captivating retelling of a major British victory written by a Pulitzer Prize finalist. This work sets a new standard for historical fiction.
My Review:
Well, first off - as I said above, if you enjoy historical fiction, then you will enjoy this book. The characters of Thomas and Sir John really bring the history to life and allow you to enjoy the history in a way that will resonate with more readers. It was broken down into easy to read sections, and there was no place in the book that I ever felt lost. The way this history flowed off the page, made me feel as though I was there, guiding and delighting readers with each page. The writer was able to tackle this book with confidence, which was refreshing! I didn't feel as though he was fumbling with the information.
I enjoyed the human nature that was put into this book - the descriptions of the battle craze that was going on, and the frustrations felt by both armies. It was one of those books that drew you in, and ran you through some emotions as well. I found myself angered a few times (but you will have to read for yourself to find out why), and sadness for many of those who lost their lives that day.
If you are looking for a fabulous historical fiction read, then you have to grab this one! Medieval history has never read so well!
Publication Date: Available now
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Agincourt, 1415 Goodreads Review
On October 25, 1415, a trapped and vastly outnumbered force of exhausted and demoralized English archers and men-at-arms faced a colossal army of French knights on a desolate field in northern France. What took place that day became one of the greatest moments of the Hundred Years’ War and English history.
Based on chronicles of the times, Agincourt 1415: Field of Blood is a dramatic, minute-by-minute retelling of the battle as seen through the eyes of the commanders and soldiers on both sides. This is a brutal, bloody, and captivating retelling of a major British victory written by a Pulitzer Prize finalist. This work sets a new standard for historical fiction.
My Review:
Well, first off - as I said above, if you enjoy historical fiction, then you will enjoy this book. The characters of Thomas and Sir John really bring the history to life and allow you to enjoy the history in a way that will resonate with more readers. It was broken down into easy to read sections, and there was no place in the book that I ever felt lost. The way this history flowed off the page, made me feel as though I was there, guiding and delighting readers with each page. The writer was able to tackle this book with confidence, which was refreshing! I didn't feel as though he was fumbling with the information.
I enjoyed the human nature that was put into this book - the descriptions of the battle craze that was going on, and the frustrations felt by both armies. It was one of those books that drew you in, and ran you through some emotions as well. I found myself angered a few times (but you will have to read for yourself to find out why), and sadness for many of those who lost their lives that day.
If you are looking for a fabulous historical fiction read, then you have to grab this one! Medieval history has never read so well!
November 3, 2019
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This book was an excellent read!
The Battle of Agincourt in 1415 is one of the battles that fascinates me - the English army should have been defeated when they came upon a French army that was thousands stronger, yet they managed, against all odds, to take victory.
This book covers a fictional account of the battle and it is a gripping read. The book is 208 pages long and you get an awful lot crammed in. I loved the way that the book was told with a few main characters being lifted to tell the story of the battle though their accounts. I liked that the mix was between clergy, the French, King Henry and the lower ranks. It really gave a good overview and perspective of what it would have been like in the battle.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a superb way to pass a few hours for me and even though I know the ending as it has gone down in history, reading how the English went through so much adversity and the passion they fought with, along with the brilliant skills of the archers made for a thrilling read – very highly recommended!
This book was an excellent read!
The Battle of Agincourt in 1415 is one of the battles that fascinates me - the English army should have been defeated when they came upon a French army that was thousands stronger, yet they managed, against all odds, to take victory.
This book covers a fictional account of the battle and it is a gripping read. The book is 208 pages long and you get an awful lot crammed in. I loved the way that the book was told with a few main characters being lifted to tell the story of the battle though their accounts. I liked that the mix was between clergy, the French, King Henry and the lower ranks. It really gave a good overview and perspective of what it would have been like in the battle.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a superb way to pass a few hours for me and even though I know the ending as it has gone down in history, reading how the English went through so much adversity and the passion they fought with, along with the brilliant skills of the archers made for a thrilling read – very highly recommended!
August 15, 2017
It's no wonder to me, after reading this book, why Shakespeare wrote about and probably admired Henry V in full. I am in complete admiration of Mr Renfrew's, what seems like tireless research, into the writing of this book. I was enthralled, first at the dialogue between soldiers, lords, Henry V, dukes and advisors, and second, stunned by the elaborate descriptive in this book. Mr. Renfrew puts the reader right there, in the heat of the battle. It must have been absolutely horrifying to have been present, not to mention the horror of having to have had to fight. Thousands of French to hundreds of English...with an amazing outcome, placed word by word, hour by hour, sometimes minute to minute..so descriptively by Mr. Renfrew. This is a stunning work of non fiction. Thank you to Pen and Sword publishing and to Alex Firth for the perusal. This is a book I will think about for a long time...out of 5 stars I give it a 10!!!
October 18, 2022
Una dintre cele mai importante bătălii din războiul de 116 ani dintre Anglia, Franța și părți ale Franței (perioada a coincis cu un război civil francez) este, pentru englezi, bătălia de la Agincourt, din 1415. Paradoxal, pentru francezi este o notă de subsol, fiind tratată ca o mică poticneală pe drumul spre victoria finală (când englezii s-au plictisit și au plecat acasă :)).
Fost corespondent de război, aceasta se pare că e cea mai faimoasă carte a autorului, chiar dacă nu constituie debutul său literar. O relatare pas cu pas a campaniei din 1415 a regelui Henry V, începând cu asediul orașului-port Harfleur, drumul spre evacuarea de la Calais și confruntarea cu armata franceză (care, incidental vorbind, a tăiat calea de retragere a unei forțe expediționare care fugea spre casă, forțând-o practic pe aceasta din urmă să lupte pentru viața ei, cu rezultatele știute deja). Spre deosebire de operele nebeletristice care tratează în general războiul de o sută de ani, sau bătălia de la Agincourt în special, în această repovestire autorul nu a lăsat loc pentru dubii: știm exact când s-a întâmplat fiecare acțiune (multe capitole începând cu un subtitlu precum "Cortul Regelui - ora 01:03"), știm exact numărul trupelor participante, câte săgeți s-au tras, câți oameni s-a crezut că ar fi murit, precum și ce gândește fiecare personaj (de la arcașii umili până la capetele încoronate precum Henry, dar și alți conți și duci francezi) - autorul optând pentru confortabila peroană a treia omniscientă. Ținând cont că aproape jumătate din carte (cca 100p) se ocupă cu prezentarea bătăliei din titlu, stilul este alert, vioi, aproape marcat de ADHD, capitolele fiind ridicol de scurte uneori (focusul făcând practic ping-pong între cele două armate încleștate în luptă). Experiența profesională îl ajută pe autor în acest domeniu literar, bătălia având o anumită calitate viscerală dar și onestă, oamenii fiind prezentați nepărtinitor cu buni și răi de fiecare parte, cu lași și curajoși de fiecare parte șamd. Merită menționat și faptul că autorul s-a documentat suficient încât să asigure corectitudinea istorică (parțială în cele mai rele cazuri) a epocii medievale, și chiar dacă nu dispunem de o bibliografie propriuzisă, se pot ușor identifica sursele folosite după miturile și detaliile care sunt menționate (de exemplu, este menționată amenințarea franceză de a reteza 2 degete de la mâinile arcașilor, pentru a-i face inutili - lucru care a dus la sfidătorul semn V arătat inamicilor de către arcașii englezi). De asemenea, cartea este și un produs modern, contemporan, viziunea autorului aderând la preceptele moderne de interpretare a bătăliei: tirul arcașilor ar fi fost orizontal, paralel cu solul, armura francezilor ar fi rezistat cu brio săgeților engleze, englezii ar fi refuzat ordinul de a masacra prizonierii, fapt care a dus la executarea celor capturați de către arcașii mai puțin nobili. Departe sunt vremurile când cavalerii aduși pe ecran de Laurence Olivier shakepserianul în filmul Henry V, erau ridicați pe cal cu tot felul de scripeți. Toate aceste detalii întregesc foarte frumos opera autorială și sunt ca un mic semnal de recunoaștere pentru cei familiari cu istoria respectivă că cine a scris, a scris cu plăcere, dedicare și și-a făcut temeinic temele, nevrând să se prezinte în fața lumii cu lecția neînvățată.
Fost corespondent de război, aceasta se pare că e cea mai faimoasă carte a autorului, chiar dacă nu constituie debutul său literar. O relatare pas cu pas a campaniei din 1415 a regelui Henry V, începând cu asediul orașului-port Harfleur, drumul spre evacuarea de la Calais și confruntarea cu armata franceză (care, incidental vorbind, a tăiat calea de retragere a unei forțe expediționare care fugea spre casă, forțând-o practic pe aceasta din urmă să lupte pentru viața ei, cu rezultatele știute deja). Spre deosebire de operele nebeletristice care tratează în general războiul de o sută de ani, sau bătălia de la Agincourt în special, în această repovestire autorul nu a lăsat loc pentru dubii: știm exact când s-a întâmplat fiecare acțiune (multe capitole începând cu un subtitlu precum "Cortul Regelui - ora 01:03"), știm exact numărul trupelor participante, câte săgeți s-au tras, câți oameni s-a crezut că ar fi murit, precum și ce gândește fiecare personaj (de la arcașii umili până la capetele încoronate precum Henry, dar și alți conți și duci francezi) - autorul optând pentru confortabila peroană a treia omniscientă. Ținând cont că aproape jumătate din carte (cca 100p) se ocupă cu prezentarea bătăliei din titlu, stilul este alert, vioi, aproape marcat de ADHD, capitolele fiind ridicol de scurte uneori (focusul făcând practic ping-pong între cele două armate încleștate în luptă). Experiența profesională îl ajută pe autor în acest domeniu literar, bătălia având o anumită calitate viscerală dar și onestă, oamenii fiind prezentați nepărtinitor cu buni și răi de fiecare parte, cu lași și curajoși de fiecare parte șamd. Merită menționat și faptul că autorul s-a documentat suficient încât să asigure corectitudinea istorică (parțială în cele mai rele cazuri) a epocii medievale, și chiar dacă nu dispunem de o bibliografie propriuzisă, se pot ușor identifica sursele folosite după miturile și detaliile care sunt menționate (de exemplu, este menționată amenințarea franceză de a reteza 2 degete de la mâinile arcașilor, pentru a-i face inutili - lucru care a dus la sfidătorul semn V arătat inamicilor de către arcașii englezi). De asemenea, cartea este și un produs modern, contemporan, viziunea autorului aderând la preceptele moderne de interpretare a bătăliei: tirul arcașilor ar fi fost orizontal, paralel cu solul, armura francezilor ar fi rezistat cu brio săgeților engleze, englezii ar fi refuzat ordinul de a masacra prizonierii, fapt care a dus la executarea celor capturați de către arcașii mai puțin nobili. Departe sunt vremurile când cavalerii aduși pe ecran de Laurence Olivier shakepserianul în filmul Henry V, erau ridicați pe cal cu tot felul de scripeți. Toate aceste detalii întregesc foarte frumos opera autorială și sunt ca un mic semnal de recunoaștere pentru cei familiari cu istoria respectivă că cine a scris, a scris cu plăcere, dedicare și și-a făcut temeinic temele, nevrând să se prezinte în fața lumii cu lecția neînvățată.
June 26, 2020
I realized when I started reading this that I have read very few historical fiction books just because the few I have read weren't very good. This is the total opposite. Not only was it well written and had you frantically flipping through to know what happened next, but it also set up a very strange and yet remarkable moment in European history. The Battle of Agincourt. 1415. France.
Most people who even know about it just know it was a battle during the reign of King Henry V of England vs basically every noble house of France; the English were outnumbered, starving, hopeless, and knew if the French found them they would lose. Not probably. Would.
And yet they won. With inferior numbers, inferior supplies, and inferior "noble blood" on the field the English managed to utterly destroy the houses of France for centuries to come, entire lines of nobles and even royal lines were stamped out in one battle. The success hinged on the English longbow, something that was ahead of its time and yet it was only as successful as the people who wielded it. England demanded each child learn how to loose an arrow from a small age, to keep training year after year, and that this was how they would beat armies of superior count almost every time. The characterizations were wonderful, the English were either tough old buzzard nobles who knew about war from the centuries of fighting England had faced within itself and from abroad, if they were going to die on some foreign soil they were going out fighting. The French were.....well French. They bickered, they drank, they talked a big game and then when it really mattered they couldn't hold their own (boy does this book make me think they learned nothing, World War II anyone?) and lost huge amounts of their upper class.
It's battles like this that make you realize what it took to be both a great King and a brilliant leader, Henry V had the skills and ambition to be a great leader and if not for sudden and early death we might've seen another Edward I rise from England. Sadly he will probably always be known as the winner of this singular battle, the Shakespeare plays, and the father of the King who would cause the War of the Roses a few decades later (word of advice don't marry your cousins so much that you literally produce lunatics). I loved this book's description of how the English won a battle that if they had run a simulation of it 9 out of 10 times would've been utterly destroyed.
And yet the won. Huh...
Most people who even know about it just know it was a battle during the reign of King Henry V of England vs basically every noble house of France; the English were outnumbered, starving, hopeless, and knew if the French found them they would lose. Not probably. Would.
And yet they won. With inferior numbers, inferior supplies, and inferior "noble blood" on the field the English managed to utterly destroy the houses of France for centuries to come, entire lines of nobles and even royal lines were stamped out in one battle. The success hinged on the English longbow, something that was ahead of its time and yet it was only as successful as the people who wielded it. England demanded each child learn how to loose an arrow from a small age, to keep training year after year, and that this was how they would beat armies of superior count almost every time. The characterizations were wonderful, the English were either tough old buzzard nobles who knew about war from the centuries of fighting England had faced within itself and from abroad, if they were going to die on some foreign soil they were going out fighting. The French were.....well French. They bickered, they drank, they talked a big game and then when it really mattered they couldn't hold their own (boy does this book make me think they learned nothing, World War II anyone?) and lost huge amounts of their upper class.
It's battles like this that make you realize what it took to be both a great King and a brilliant leader, Henry V had the skills and ambition to be a great leader and if not for sudden and early death we might've seen another Edward I rise from England. Sadly he will probably always be known as the winner of this singular battle, the Shakespeare plays, and the father of the King who would cause the War of the Roses a few decades later (word of advice don't marry your cousins so much that you literally produce lunatics). I loved this book's description of how the English won a battle that if they had run a simulation of it 9 out of 10 times would've been utterly destroyed.
And yet the won. Huh...
November 28, 2020
A solid, short fictional account of Agincourt from the English perspective. Henry V is, perhaps, a bit too like Kenneth Branagh in the Shakespearean play, however written accounts--and we have several from both sides, unlike most battles--tend to verify his manner. The battle tactics are well done, with my only issue being not enough is made of the arrogant French celebrating the night before and, in essence, being a bit hung-over for the battle. But then that would belittle the English sense of triumph, so it is understandable, if not wholly accurate.
October 27, 2020
Good summary of the march from Harfleur to Agincourt and a blow-by-blow account of the battle. Does not bog down in minutia as too many histories tend to do. Not overlong, in other words. A pleasant few hours of history, with interesting insights into the attitudes of several archetypal characters, from Henry's sincere piety to the stupid bravado of many French nobles to the perfect chivalry of a French noble prisoner of the English.
December 24, 2019
The story brought history to life
Thoroughly brought the battle to life. Explained the rules of chivalry woven in to the story line so that you did not notice you were being taught it. Also showed why the English Longbow was the most feared weapon of war for nearly two hundred years.
Thoroughly brought the battle to life. Explained the rules of chivalry woven in to the story line so that you did not notice you were being taught it. Also showed why the English Longbow was the most feared weapon of war for nearly two hundred years.
January 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book. A little slow in the beginning. I really liked the way the battle was portrayed. I could understand each step and why the English were able to prevail with much smaller numbers. I also want to say, that this is normally not what I would read, but I found the battle tactics fascinating and also the difference in the way the two different sides approached the battle.
June 29, 2020
Loved it
Excellent fast paced entertainig and informative.This novel puts you right into.the thick of one of the most significant battles in chemistry of warfare. Highly recommended
Excellent fast paced entertainig and informative.This novel puts you right into.the thick of one of the most significant battles in chemistry of warfare. Highly recommended
November 1, 2023
I enjoyed the historical facts of this truly magnificent battle Definitely a David versus Goliath type scenario
It just goes to show you should never doubt the skill and bravery of the little guy. That was the French’s undoing.
It just goes to show you should never doubt the skill and bravery of the little guy. That was the French’s undoing.
January 4, 2019
Great detail from both side's. Even though you know the outcome, what a read.
January 22, 2020
Short and sweet, but very well worded. I'd be happy to read more from this author.
April 29, 2020
Great book....marching with Army reading all obstacles they faced .
April 29, 2020
great book
April 5, 2021
Throughly enjoyable read
February 1, 2022
A story of a famous English victory
A victory for the English against all the odds.
Told in a way that shows the blood and guts of the era when the battle was fought.
A victory for the English against all the odds.
Told in a way that shows the blood and guts of the era when the battle was fought.
May 12, 2022
Easy entry to understanding the background and dynamics of the famous battle. The characters and scenes, while not perfect, served their purpose.
November 12, 2022
Bloody good read
Agincourt is one of the iconic battles that confirmed the supremacy of the English archer. One of the more memorable books to recount that battle.
Agincourt is one of the iconic battles that confirmed the supremacy of the English archer. One of the more memorable books to recount that battle.
November 14, 2024
Good read. The battle and olny the battle. No subplots!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews