The White Company

By: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrated by: Clive Catterall

"Now order the ranks, and fling wide the banners, for our souls are God's and our bodies the king's, and our swords for Saint George and for England!" With that rousing proclamation, twelve hundred knights ride into battle, accompanied by the stalwart archers known as the White Company.

Fueled by their appetite for glory, this motley crew of freebooters stands united in their unswerving devotion to the company commander, Sir Nigel Loring. Short, bald, and extremely nearsighted, Sir Nigel's unprepossessing appearance belies his warrior's heart and his chivalrous nature. The rollicking adventures of his company during the Hundred Years War center around Sir Nigel's loyal squire, Alleyne Edricson. Raised in the sheltered confines of a monastery, young Alleyne comes of age amid the rough-and-tumble of armed conflict and the bewildering ways of courtly love.

Best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was also a passionate historian. The White Company was his favorite among his own works; here, he offers flavorful, realistic depictions of life during the 14th century - from its weapons and apparel to its religious practice, and the close connection between the cycles of human existence, and the rhythm of the seasons. Readers of all ages will thrill to this spirited tale and its evocative portrait of the Middle Ages.

©2021 Erika (P)2021 Erika

Timeless classic

This is one story I always come back to for a good listen, it never fails to bring me joy and entertainment

Fun classic with an exceptional narrator

Like most people, my familiarity with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works mostly revolves around the Sherlock Holmes stories. A few years ago, I started reading The White Company, but never finished. I'm not sure why other than life events getting in the way. This time around, I gave the audiobook a try.

This is one fun book. The cast of characters is memorable and easy to root for. There's Alleyne, the pious and naive young man freshly emerged from a sheltered abbey. We also meet Hordle John, a burly, blustery fellow who breaks the mold of said abbey and is cast out. And soon after comes Sam Aylward, a veteran archer who is gregarious and charming. The narrator Mr. Catterall breathes life into them all. My favorite character has been Aylward, and Catterall's voices him perfectly and just how I imagined him.

The three heroes form an odd couple that are immediately likable and fun. In the company of an aging knight named Sir Nigel, the White Company travels about performing daring, chivalrous deeds. Sometimes the adventure are comical, other times serious and dire.

Reportedly, Doyle was particularly fond of his historical fictions and you can tell he had fun writing this one. The characters are great, the descriptions of the countryside are vivid, and the adventures wild. If you like following the exploits of brave knights, this is a no brainer. The 14 1/2 hrs flew by for me.