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1415: Henry V's Year of Glory

Henry V's Year of Glory

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1415: Henry V's Year of Glory

By: Ian Mortimer
Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
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Summary
 Henry V is regarded as the great English hero, lionised in his own day for his victory at Agincourt, his piety and his rigorous application of justice. But what was he really like? In this ground-breaking book, Ian Mortimer portrays Henry in the pivotal year of his reign. Recording the dramatic events of 1415, he offers the fullest, most precise and least romanticised view we have of Henry and what he did. At the centre of the narrative is the campaign which culminated in the battle of Agincourt: a slaughter ground intended not to advance England’s interests directly but to demonstrate God’s approval of Henry’s royal authority on both sides of the Channel. The result is a fascinating reappraisal of Henry which brings to the fore many unpalatable truths, as well as the king’s extraordinary courage and leadership qualities.©2013 Ian Mortimer Europe Great Britain Politics & Activism Royalty Middle Ages England Tudor
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I'm an avid admirer of Ian Mortimer, having just completed his exceptional biography of Henry IV. The anticipation for his Henry V book had me trembling with excitement, akin to a thoroughbred racehorse at the starting gate. His work on Edward III is a timeless masterpiece and holds a special place as my favorite.

Yet, this remarkable author managed to astonish me once more. He transformed the most enthralling and action-laden story in English history into a dull read. The book delves deeply into religious disputes, detailed cargo inventories, royal expenses, and day-to-day trivia from the year 1415. I persisted with the book as long as possible, aware that England's most celebrated battle was imminent, but it seemed to recede the closer I got.

I might have continued, but then Dan Jones released a new book titled 'Henry V,' promising a little more dynamism and less minutiae, prompting me to switch allegiance before Henry even departed from Southampton.

The monotony stems from Mortimer's narrative technique. He opts for a diary-like format, assigning an entry to every day of 1415, regardless of its significance. Putting aside my stylistic concerns, Mortimer's research is thorough, his writing superb, his expertise on the subject unparalleled, and he certainly knows how to weave an engaging tale when he opts for the appropriate style. I'm confident that had I persisted, I would have been captivated by his account of the battle. Mortimer stands among the distinguished authors on Agincourt, and I comprehend his need to stand out. However, as a writer of his caliber, he could have achieved distinction with his customary narrative style.

Unappealing style

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