Agincourt

Agincourt is remembered as one of the great triumphs of British warfare. There have been few victories so complete, or achieved against such heavy odds, as that won by Henry V on October 14, 1415. In a pitched battle which lasted barely three hours, a depleted and exhausted British force of some 5,000 routed a French army four or five times its size and lost no more than 100 men to the enemy's 7,000 to 10,000 dead. In providing an explanation for the utter defeat of Charles IV's army, Hibbert explores the conditions and conventions of medieval warfare in relation to the character of the commanders on either side. Particularly revealing is his analysis of Henry's personality and his qualities as a king and general. "A compelling book. Mr. Hibbert has shown that a student of original sources can also write a vivid narrative." (Times Educational Supplement)