Bibliography

Date first published	1 October 2008
ISBN Number	978 000 7271214
Page Count	453 h/b
h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback

Storyline

An extraordinary and dramatic depiction of the legendary battle of Agincourt, fought on October 25th 1415, on St Crispin's Day, is one of the best known battles, in part through the brilliant depiction of it in Shakespeare's Henry V, in part because it was a brilliant and unexpected English victory and in part because it was the first battle won by the use of the longbow - a weapon developed by the English which enabled them to dominate the European battlefields for the rest of the century.

Bernard Cornwell's Azincourt is a vivid, breathtaking and meticulously well researched account of this momentous battle and its aftermath. From the varying viewpoints of nobles, peasants, archers, and horsemen, Azincourt skillfully brings to life the hours of relentless fighting, the desperation of an army crippled by disease and the exceptional bravery of the English soldiers.

Review

Like all of Bernard's books, it is well written, meticulous in detail, and has it's usual style of battle, rest then battle. The book is at it's best when in full flight in battle. The actual battle of Azincourt (the French Spelling) is not quite as fast paced as some other battles. This was not a battle of cavalry, but a long slow slog through glutinous mud.

I did feel afterwards that it was not quite up to Bernard's usual standard, however once I had analysed why I had the feeling, I realised it was not the fault of Bernard, just that I knew the basics of the battle, how it started, got bogged down and then final outcome. Most of his work you know there will be a bit of background story, culminating in a final battle with the hero triumphing. With Azincourt, (if you know your history) then you know perhaps two thirds of the story, and you have to rely on Bernard to give some new glimpses.

Putting that minor point aside, you have a very good story, some very likeable characters, and dislikeable ones. Hook is a great character, as is Sir John Cornewaille, under whose protection Hook falls.

The Siege of Harfleur, never really gets going - just like the real thing, although it does allow Hook to claim vengeance against one of his enemies from his own village. Sir Martin is another unpleasant character in the mould of Hakeswell in the Sharpe books, a nasty mean spirited man (and one of the cloth as well), and who is definitely a few pennies short of a shilling. he gets his just rewards.

In the build up to the main battle there is quite an examination into the strange world of chivalry. For example Seigneur de Lanferelle and John Cornewaille, are all but friends, have fought in tournaments, and allowed each other to get up in fights, yet now face each other and will happily kill each other without a seconds thought. What strange times.

Lanferelle, is a complex character, he's on the wrong side, shows no emotion at Soissons, yet allows Hook to live at Harfleur, partly so as not to upset his daughter I suspect. Although he could quite easily have killed Hook and taken Melisande back into his care.

Having read the story, it leaves you wondering, would the French have won if the battlefield had been dry, did the weather or superior English tactics win the the battle?

Another great story from this author, whose quality of writing continues to shine.

Previous	Index	Next