Agincourt 1415, field of blood

Introduction

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.

Review

If given a choice I would not care to read a book about Middle Ages battles. I’d rather like a book about modern warfare, especially when detailed strategic planning is involved (D-Day and alike). Being raised by parents living during the Second World War era, I must admit books about the Second World War always make me wonder how the battles impacted the thoughts of my parents at the time. Since several publishers are so kind to let me review their books, I thought it would be appropreate to read a book about an entirely different subject. Even this battle is no subject Dutch people get taught at school, the “Battle of Agincourt” did vaguely ring a bell. I have not regretted picking this book.

Few books are as immersive as this one. When I read this book it felt I was able to hear the shouting of the combattants. Another reason I love this book, is the strategy involved, wheras the English commanders exploited the grounds and weapons to maximize effect on the French cavalry. Without reading this book I would not have known of or understood the signifinace of the Welshmen using longbows, a weapon renowned for its power, range, and rate of fire. The longbowmen’s ability to unleash a relentless barrage of arrows decimated the French forces, despite the latter’s numerical superiority. Their precision and effectiveness in muddy, constricted battlefield conditions significantly contributed to the historic English victory, showcasing the tactical prowess and discipline of the Welsh archers.

A lesser-known fact is the English killed a significant number of French prisoners. This controversial action was driven by a combination of strategic necessity and immediate battlefield circumstances. Several factors contributed to this decision: (i) fear of renewed attack, (ii) limited manpower and (iii) rumors of reinforcements. Some people claim these were the first war crimes.

As retribution the index and middle finger were cut off from the archers and longbowmen. Later raising both fingers became a way to provoke and redicule French troops and it has remained a way to express one’s disdain. Others claim it was the the other way around. According to legend, captured French archers had their index and middle fingers cut off to prevent them from shooting arrows at the English in future battles. Victorious English soldiers supposedly taunted the maimed French with a “flick of the Vs.” However, these stories are now widely regarded as a modern myth.

This book is filled with all kinds of intersting details. Even though it’s not about modern warfare I love this book.

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.