Agincourt

Battle of the Scarred King

By: Michael Livingston, Bernard Cornwell - introduction

Narrated by: Rupert Farley

Bloomsbury presents Agincourt: Battle of the Scarred King by Michael Livingston, read by Rupert Farley.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 HISTORICAL WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION NON-FICTION CROWN AWARD

'It’s quite a feat to write an account of England’s most famous battle that makes the reader feel like they’re experiencing history that is fresh, new and exhilarating.' Dan Snow

This groundbreaking study by Mike Livingston, as featured on History Hit's Agincourt, presents a new interpretation of Henry V's great victory.

From Shakespeare’s ‘band of brothers’ speech to its appearances in numerous films, Agincourt rightfully has a place among a handful of conflicts whose names are immediately recognized around the world. Renowned medieval historian Mike Livingston provides a new look at this famous battle, with a foreword by world famous historic novelist Bernard Cornwell.

Agincourt takes us back to the original sources, including the French battle plan that still survives today, to give a new interpretation, one that challenges the traditional site of the battlefield itself. It is a thrilling new history that not only rewrites the battle as we know it, but also provides fresh insights into the men who fought and died there.

Critic reviews

This astonishing book fixes the myth of Agincourt and adds to our understanding of what led to that slaughteryard of horrors, atrocities, and, for at least one side, unforgettable glories.

Livingston debunks myths, he explodes long-cherished historical theories, and he moves battlegrounds. (Dan Jones)

It’s quite a feat to write an account of England’s most famous battle that makes the reader feel like they’re experiencing history that is fresh, new and exhilarating.

Bold and conversational, forensic and vivid, this is an extraordinary history of Agincourt - full of remarkable insight - that grips from the very first word and doesn’t let go.

Michael Livingston continues to overturn centuries of scholarship, redefining some of the world’s most celebrated battles. Coupling ironclad scholarship with a breakneck narrative, Livingston cuts new historical ground.

A thought provoking, thoughtful and fast-paced account of what one might think is one of the best known and understood medieval battles. Despite what we think we know, from reading Livingston’s detailed book, it is clear that we aren’t really sure we even know exactly where this famous battle was fought!

The battle of Agincourt has had many interpretations. Michael Livingston’s is the latest, but also one of the best … It tells a fresh, compelling story of the battle, the campaign that led up to it, and its aftermath.

An innovative historical reinterpretation…Agincourt is an exciting retelling of the battle of Agincourt that brings forth new information about a topic believed to have been long since settled.

Michael Livingston writes in a lively, conversational style that is a pleasure to read. He has clearly done much research in primary sources and produces very convincing arguments for his conclusions

One of England's most famous clash of arms is revisited in this fresh and engaging study.

All in all, this book is recommended to all readers, either casual or with a real interest in the period. It's both well written and well illustrated, with 34 colour plates and 5 excellent maps.

Reads like a great action hook

He has researched voluminously, & is even able to quote references, while making the story alive w action & suspense. If all history was written this well we would all be so much more enthralled with all of history.

Well researched history

Great historical review of one of the most famous battles in history. This is a work of historical analysis and does not cover the battle itself in detail but the context is fascinating.

This is the Best history of Agincourt

I am a medievalist, practitioner of the Art of Arms of this period and have done extensive research on this subject and time period. I have never been more impressed by a historians work. A more articulate, less biased, and transparent explanation of his argument I have yet to find.