What do you think?
Rate this book
Sir John Hawkwood #2
Man at Arms: The Battle of Poitiers
The Black Death! England has won the war with France but the disease which rampages through the land takes both rich and poor, warrior and worker. John Hawkwood and his two companions spend the winter in the north. It is in the spring that he begins to mould his company into a fighting force, and he serves the Baron Mortimer on the Welsh Border. There his men learn to fight as one and John Hawkwood begins the change from archer to man at arms. When the King and the Black Prince commission him to fight for them, first in an action against the Castilian pirates and then on a chevauchée through Gascony, he learns the skill of leadership. The novel culminates in Prince Edward’s great raid towards the Loire and the battle of Poitiers where the fate of Gascony and France will be decided.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2020
247 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
305 books419 followersI was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 22, 2021
The first in series was good, this 2nd one was great.
February 15, 2021
“Archers alone could not win battles: they could decide them but, in the end, it was the men-at-arms who would capture the enemy leaders and take the ransoms.”
This statement alone shews that Griff Hosker knows his stuff about Medieval warfare.
This is the second book by the author in a series that tells a fictionalised version of the life of Sir John Hawkwood who went from runaway boy to tailor’s apprentice to archer to man-at-arms to knight and, to be told in later books no doubt, Italian nobility. The 14thC saw many capable fighting men rise through the ranks for Edward III and his son, Edward of Woodstock, used, trusted and promoted those who had proven themselves alongside them in battle; my ancestor, Sir Alan de Buxhull ( https://lynboxell.tripod.com/siralan.htm ) being one of them.
This time John (not knighted till the end of the book) goes from the north of England, avoiding the Black Death and fighting in the Battle of Neville’s Cross, to the Welsh March, to sea warfare against pirates and thence to France and the great chevauchees by the Prince of Wales, Edward of Woodstock, that ended with the Battle of Poitiers.
Hosker, as always, tells it as it was and does not spare the horrors of life and warfare in the 14thC, though he manages to avoid the excessively graphic details so many authors of Medieval tales indulge in. I was interested to see, when dealing with the Black Death, that he has John Hawkwood killing rats, but not claiming that they were the cause of the plague. Again this shews the author’s research as, although the Black Death is almost always blamed on the rats bringing bubonic plague, recent research is shewing that the rat population at the time was insufficient to have caused such a widespread plague and that the symptoms might better fit pneumonic plague: Hoskins has covered both possibilities.
I have read the Griff Hosker books that involve the fictitious Gerald War Bow. I also have read a book that has, as its central character, the fictitious Earl of Cleveland. They, like the way the author portrays John Hawkwood, are honourable men and all considerate of those who serve under them. In fact, at times whilst reading “Man at Arms”, I had to remind myself that I was reading about Hawkwood not War Bow. Having said that Hawkwood is much more mercenary and at times quite arrogant.
This is another brilliant read I read in a day. Any nit picky points from this student of the period? A man with two swords over his back? Really? Men working stripped to the waist when the manuscript illustrations inevitably shew that it was bare legs not backs? Hmm: it could be that Hosker has done deeper research than me and that my niggley thoughts are in error.
No, a Five Star book that you will not regret buying and you will have problems putting down until you have read the last page.
This statement alone shews that Griff Hosker knows his stuff about Medieval warfare.
This is the second book by the author in a series that tells a fictionalised version of the life of Sir John Hawkwood who went from runaway boy to tailor’s apprentice to archer to man-at-arms to knight and, to be told in later books no doubt, Italian nobility. The 14thC saw many capable fighting men rise through the ranks for Edward III and his son, Edward of Woodstock, used, trusted and promoted those who had proven themselves alongside them in battle; my ancestor, Sir Alan de Buxhull ( https://lynboxell.tripod.com/siralan.htm ) being one of them.
This time John (not knighted till the end of the book) goes from the north of England, avoiding the Black Death and fighting in the Battle of Neville’s Cross, to the Welsh March, to sea warfare against pirates and thence to France and the great chevauchees by the Prince of Wales, Edward of Woodstock, that ended with the Battle of Poitiers.
Hosker, as always, tells it as it was and does not spare the horrors of life and warfare in the 14thC, though he manages to avoid the excessively graphic details so many authors of Medieval tales indulge in. I was interested to see, when dealing with the Black Death, that he has John Hawkwood killing rats, but not claiming that they were the cause of the plague. Again this shews the author’s research as, although the Black Death is almost always blamed on the rats bringing bubonic plague, recent research is shewing that the rat population at the time was insufficient to have caused such a widespread plague and that the symptoms might better fit pneumonic plague: Hoskins has covered both possibilities.
I have read the Griff Hosker books that involve the fictitious Gerald War Bow. I also have read a book that has, as its central character, the fictitious Earl of Cleveland. They, like the way the author portrays John Hawkwood, are honourable men and all considerate of those who serve under them. In fact, at times whilst reading “Man at Arms”, I had to remind myself that I was reading about Hawkwood not War Bow. Having said that Hawkwood is much more mercenary and at times quite arrogant.
This is another brilliant read I read in a day. Any nit picky points from this student of the period? A man with two swords over his back? Really? Men working stripped to the waist when the manuscript illustrations inevitably shew that it was bare legs not backs? Hmm: it could be that Hosker has done deeper research than me and that my niggley thoughts are in error.
No, a Five Star book that you will not regret buying and you will have problems putting down until you have read the last page.
August 27, 2025
This, the second book in Hosker's historical fiction series featuring John Hawkwood, very graphically shows us how brutal warfare was during the early 14th century. In addition to battles and smaller fights, we get vivid descriptions of chevauchée campaigns by the English in France. These were very destructive, and much like the scorched earth campaigns in Eastern Europe during WW2 they were intended to deprive the opposition of resources.
John Hawkwood was a real person, and he participated in all the major events in this book. Little is known about his life during this period, so of course Griff Hosker used a lot of "artistic license" to fill in the details of this story.
I quite enjoyed the audio version narrated by Marston York. (Got it from libro.fm.)
Solid 4 stars.
John Hawkwood was a real person, and he participated in all the major events in this book. Little is known about his life during this period, so of course Griff Hosker used a lot of "artistic license" to fill in the details of this story.
I quite enjoyed the audio version narrated by Marston York. (Got it from libro.fm.)
Solid 4 stars.
January 12, 2021
Excellent
A great following to the first book. The main character starts off as sounding arrogant but as his story proceeds, his determination combined with his consideration for his companions both at peace, and in the reality of war, were convincing and brilliant!
A great following to the first book. The main character starts off as sounding arrogant but as his story proceeds, his determination combined with his consideration for his companions both at peace, and in the reality of war, were convincing and brilliant!
June 9, 2021
Cracking read
Well thought out, good characters and excellent battle sequences. All in all a great series. One caveat, over emphasis on Sir John’s constant referring to money, profit. Gets wearying.
Well thought out, good characters and excellent battle sequences. All in all a great series. One caveat, over emphasis on Sir John’s constant referring to money, profit. Gets wearying.
September 8, 2021
Fact is equivalent to fiction.
The life of Hawkswood reveals a real rags to riches story predominantly being rough and ready which in those do or die times helped you to survive. The description of The Plague is about right as the importers of foreign goods brought the rats etc. Hosker's battle descriptions are evocative and almost have you cheering on from the sidelines. A good read, a well known campaign and can't wait for the next installment.
The life of Hawkswood reveals a real rags to riches story predominantly being rough and ready which in those do or die times helped you to survive. The description of The Plague is about right as the importers of foreign goods brought the rats etc. Hosker's battle descriptions are evocative and almost have you cheering on from the sidelines. A good read, a well known campaign and can't wait for the next installment.
December 28, 2020
Incredible story
Hosker has picked a little known character out of history, who played a very important part in the constant warring in the 14th century and gave this mans story life. It is a fulfilling and exciting read giving glimpses of the character of several historical figures. Binge read the book couldn't put it down!!!
Hosker has picked a little known character out of history, who played a very important part in the constant warring in the 14th century and gave this mans story life. It is a fulfilling and exciting read giving glimpses of the character of several historical figures. Binge read the book couldn't put it down!!!
March 19, 2024
Gripping - Exciting - You are in the Story!!!!!!
All of the above happen to You when you begin to read this story!!
Although part of a series, this story can stand alone.
If You are tired of just reading with no involvement in the books, wrap Yourself up in Griff Hosker's stories and hold on for the ride of your life!!
All of the above happen to You when you begin to read this story!!
Although part of a series, this story can stand alone.
If You are tired of just reading with no involvement in the books, wrap Yourself up in Griff Hosker's stories and hold on for the ride of your life!!
June 27, 2024
“Hawkwood to me!”
Good, solid sequel to the first volume in this series, bringing history to life, following the warrior John Hawkwood as he and his men fight on for glory, renown, honour, wealth and through many battles & skirmishes.
Another excellent narration of this fine work by Marston York.
Good, solid sequel to the first volume in this series, bringing history to life, following the warrior John Hawkwood as he and his men fight on for glory, renown, honour, wealth and through many battles & skirmishes.
Another excellent narration of this fine work by Marston York.
June 16, 2025
Becoming a knight.
Every bit as outstanding as the series opener. I really like the telling of events in the first person. Hawkwood is an inspiring and charismatic hero. The other members of the company get their place in the spotlight too in the vividly described battles. I have purchased the whole series and am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
Every bit as outstanding as the series opener. I really like the telling of events in the first person. Hawkwood is an inspiring and charismatic hero. The other members of the company get their place in the spotlight too in the vividly described battles. I have purchased the whole series and am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
July 11, 2021
Merciless History
Burning farms killing all the men, laying waiste the land and leaving women and children to starve. No wonder the French hated the English for so long, especially as they cheated by using long bows.
Good yarn
Burning farms killing all the men, laying waiste the land and leaving women and children to starve. No wonder the French hated the English for so long, especially as they cheated by using long bows.
Good yarn
August 31, 2023
Another action packed and entertaining book by Mr. Hosker! The final battle was described vividly, and it was hard to figure who was winning until the very end. It is fun to read about Hawkwoods advancement, and all that he and his men achieved!
May 9, 2025
Another good book in the series and this is just number two. Good to see Johnnie boy get hls spurs. Plenty of variety in the book and travels from Wales to Spain to Poitiers. Looking forward to book 3.
January 2, 2021
As usual you have a Great Story
You have started a great story that you must finish. Were is the next book. You slacker. Cannot wait for the next book.😊
You have started a great story that you must finish. Were is the next book. You slacker. Cannot wait for the next book.😊
January 10, 2021
“Man At Arms” moved me in a way only two other books have done...The Bible and The Gates of Fire! Thank you Mr. Pressfield!
January 13, 2021
Sir john hawkwood
Another brilliantly written account of this archer turned man at arms rising through the ranks to be knighted couldn’t put this one down
Another brilliantly written account of this archer turned man at arms rising through the ranks to be knighted couldn’t put this one down
January 26, 2021
Heart story teller
This is a great story and will worth reading. I look forward to the next addition off Sir John Hawkwood.
This is a great story and will worth reading. I look forward to the next addition off Sir John Hawkwood.
February 3, 2021
A great read.
Well put together but not as realistic as I would have liked.
Nevertheless I will continue to be enjoyed with his stories.
Well put together but not as realistic as I would have liked.
Nevertheless I will continue to be enjoyed with his stories.
August 7, 2021
Fantastic
I have no idea how Griff manages to produce one book after another he seems to write them as fast as I can ears them.
I have no idea how Griff manages to produce one book after another he seems to write them as fast as I can ears them.
January 12, 2022
the battle of Poitiers
Great page turner and a good follower to Book 1 .plenty of action and great feel of the period with real historical characters.
Great page turner and a good follower to Book 1 .plenty of action and great feel of the period with real historical characters.
September 19, 2022
not the best series.. the action is fun but there is nothing else really going for it 3-3.5
June 11, 2024
well done
Battle scenes and the soldiers’ life during the 100 years war put the reader in the middle of the field with the characters
Battle scenes and the soldiers’ life during the 100 years war put the reader in the middle of the field with the characters
January 29, 2025
Very much the cookie cutter narrative of his other books.
May 7, 2021
Excellent
As usual, Griff Hosker delivers a fantastic story! The second iteration of the Sir John Hawkwood saga is fantastic and I really look forward to reading the next iteration.
As usual, Griff Hosker delivers a fantastic story! The second iteration of the Sir John Hawkwood saga is fantastic and I really look forward to reading the next iteration.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews