This book by Dan Jones provides a thorough and engaging biography of Henry V, delving into his early life, his apprenticeship in warfare and politics, and his subsequent reign. Jones challenges the traditional dichotomy between the young 'Hal' and the mature King Henry, portraying them as a single, consistent individual. The book details Henry's military campaigns, including the Battle of Agincourt, his diplomatic achievements, and the complexities of his legacy. Written in the present tense, the narrative offers an immediate and intimate look at the life of this historical titan, highlighting both his brilliant leadership and the mistakes he made[2][3][5].
Juliet Barker's 'Agincourt' delves into the famous battle of 1415, where Henry V's English forces defeated the French despite being vastly outnumbered. The book provides a rich narrative of the battle and its aftermath, set against the backdrop of medieval society and politics. Barker draws on a wide range of sources to paint a vivid picture of the era, including the siege of Harfleur and the march to Calais.
In 'Cursed Kings', Jonathan Sumption continues his detailed narrative of the Hundred Years War, exploring the complex political and military dynamics between England and France from 1369 to 1389. This volume delves into the challenges faced by both nations during this tumultuous period, including internal strife and external conflicts.
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends. Once more, we'll close the wall up with our English dead […] And upon this charge, cry God for Harry, England and St. George!”
Such was Henry V’s call to arms at the siege of Harfleur, as written by Shakespeare. The son of the Usurper King, Henry V has decided to take up the English claim to the French throne, thereby putting an end to the truce that had marked a pause in the Hundred Years’ War. And so, in the late summer of 1415, Henry has decided to lay siege to the massive port of Harfleur, in Normandy, a renowned nest of state-sponsored pirates. The English king has waited a long time for this moment, and the odds may never again be so favourable to him: a civil war looms in France, as the formidable Burgundians, led by John the Fearless, jostle for power with their sworn enemies, the Armagnacs. The powerless French king, Charles VI, and his son, the Dauphin, can do nothing but watch the infighting unfold…
Join Tom and Dominic in the first part of their return to the story of the Hundred Year’s War, as Henry V takes up a decades-old claim to the French throne…
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*The Rest Is History LIVE in the U.S.A.*
If you live in the States, we've got some great news: Tom and Dominic will be performing throughout America in November, with shows in New York, San Francisco, L.A., Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Boston.
*The Rest Is History LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall*
Tom and Dominic, accompanied by a live orchestra, take a deep dive into the lives and times of two of history’s greatest composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Tickets on sale now at TheRestIsHistory.com
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Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor
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The Rest Is History 
