Thank you for the ARC to the Publisher, Head of Zeus, received via Netgalley.

“O, for a muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention,
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!
” Shakespeare: Henry V, (Chorus, Prologue)

"The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry ‘God for Harry, England, and Saint George!’ "
(Shakespeare: Henry V, King Henry, Act 3 Scene 1)

This has been my first book by Dan Jones and while I've never been a fan of the real Henry V and this book has not changed that (not that it was the intention), but Jones' writing is so good that I got totally immersed in this king's story and I've become a fan of the author. :)

Actually I liked the book so much that I've bought the audiobook and I found that besides being a very good writer, Dan Jones is also a great narrator and it enhanced the whole experience.

"(...) He will be the king who is lionised by the generation who knew him, idolised by those who followed and eventually mythologised by William Shakespeare.
Although Henry V will reign for only nine years and four months, dying at the age of just thirty-five, he will loom over the historical landscape of the later Middle Ages and beyond, remembered as the acme of kingship: the man who did the job exactly as it was supposed to be done.
He will be considered the closest thing his age ever produced to one of the Nine Worthies. A titan. An English Alexander."

As you can see from this quote, this biography has been written in a style that may not be to everyone's taste: talking about the past in the present tense.
I admit that this may be irritating, unless the writer has a very sure hand and the talent to make it work. Dan Jones has both. He makes the story flow smoothly and effortlessly and his style completely drew me in. It was like listening to a captivating docu-drama, seeing it all in my mind's eye. I just did not want it to end.

Also, in the the introduction he admits to an admiration and fascination to Henry V's character, which could lead to a bias at how he portrays his subject. But, this never happens. Throughout the book you get a correct, well-balanced, clear presentation of all information: there isn't a trace of whitewashing or turning a blind eye to any mistake, weakness or ugliness. You get the full picture and Dan Jones never forces you to see things "his way", we are given the maximum choice to draw our own conclusion.

We can follow Henry's life from his birth to his death as thankfully the focus is not solely on the battle of Agincourt, but we are led through the whole of Henry's military campaign and once again we get the gore as well as the glory. Dan Jones never fails to mention the misery Henry's war on top of the mad French King Charles VI reign, the warring factions of the Armagnacs and the Burgundians wreak on the people of France. He also always pay attention to separate facts from fiction and doesn't fall into the Shakespeare-trap.

The only thing I found wanting was more information dedicated to how Henry's reign affected the people of England from a social and economic perspective. Dan Jones was rather closemouthed on that. The dynamic between the monarch and his subjects were mostly described as a financial transaction: Henry asked the Parliament for money and he got it through taxes. He recruited people for his army, they joined and lived or died. These are no revelations of great national prosperity. I mean, nationalism and victories over Jean Foreigner is all very well, but you cannot eat or drink it.

To be fair, we are told time and again that Henry lay great importance on trying to keep law and order and to keep up good relations with the Parliament and the Clerics and his brother, the Duke of Bedford was a good steward when he was away, but the emphasis is on the political and not the economic issues unless it is about financing war.

Despite this latter "shortcoming" this has been a great read and now I'm off to read some more books by Dan Jones and feel very excited about it.

There are few things better than a good biography, a life placed in its time and place. Dan Jones is an excellent storyteller and biographer, and Henry - though in some ways still a mystery - really came to life.

I had little knowledge of the early 15th century English king Henry V, apart from a vague notion of Agincourt. His father Henry IV deposed Richard II to become the first king in the Lancaster-line of the Plantagenets. Henry was groomed to succeed him from a young age.

Among historians, opinions on Henry differ: for some he was cruel and calculating, for others he was a model king given the age he lived in. I can't shake the feeling that Dan Jones falls in the latter category and is a bit of a fan of Henry. His assessment is largely positive, even if he correctly concludes there is little use in judging Henry's personality today. What I am left with is that Henry V was a brilliant commander (he never lost a battle in his life), but that if there is one word to define him with it's 'ambitious'.

But more than that, the book gives a fascinating picture of 15th century life of English nobility.

It also made a really nice pairing with Glen James Brown's Mother Naked, which I read in parallel and highlights the life of 'normal' people.

Dan Jones has done it again. This latest offering is utterly spellbinding. He has a knack for making historical non-fiction as compelling a read as any page-turner in the fiction lists. In his foreword, he invites readers to ‘enjoy the ride,’ which I did wholeheartedly. I completed the book today, on 16 September, coincidentally the day Henry V was born in 1386.

My long-standing youthful (naive) fascination with Henry V, primarily fuelled by Shakespeare, the legendary victory at Agincourt, and his inspirational speeches that echo in modern management, led me to eagerly delve deeper into his life. I was hopeful that Dan Jones would provide a more nuanced and objective portrayal of the King, and he did not disappoint. His book offers a fresh perspective that transcends simple admiration or subjective idolatry.

War, civil conflict, power grabs, revolution, religious extremism and intolerance, egotistical and intransigent leaders, pandemics, and a judiciary operating at the behest of its masters … sounds familiar? Actually, this is a snapshot of life 600 years ago. And what a backdrop for this most pragmatic and chivalrous of kings.

One minuscule point: I had hoped to see confirmation of whether the phrase ‘Tom, Dick, and Harry’ could be attributed to the three traitors discovered on the eve of the French campaign. I’ve always assumed this was why we still use the derogatory phrase to this day to imply ‘nobodies or persons of no significance’ but I have never known for certain.

Suited to the casual reader and academic alike, this book would grace any bookshelf. I will be scouring for a signed hardback copy as soon as possible!

My thanks to NetGalley and, as ever, Head of Zeus for granting this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love Dan Jones' narrative nonfiction. In fact, his decision to write English history as a wild adventure story that puts you right in that time and place is exactly what makes it so accessible and enjoyable. Unlike many others, I wasn't all that interested in Henry V-- largely because I associate him with Agincourt and I don't care for war and battle strategy --but Jones instead took me on a journey through a man's life from start to finish. It was compelling and dramatic, and he made me interested in Henry. I would really love for Jones to continue novelising English history and do the Stuarts and the Hanoverians.

Magisterial and masterful biography of one of England's greatest kings

I saw the word 'magisterial' being used for another history book lately, and that was a superlative far outsized for that book; but Jones's present tense life of one of England's greatest kings is exactly magisterial and masterful. laying out as much detail as possible without the benefit of any of Henry's own internal thoughts. He was a guarded king, the first legitimate royal heir of his usurper of a father, aware that he had to prove himself before and after he became king. Henry demonstrated both a military appetite and a pointed showiness, learnt from his father and Richard II respectively, and wielded both to take wild swings at power both home and abroad, and largely succeeding at them all.

Telling Henry's life from birth to death in the present tense, Jones collapses the centuries between him and us, despite the marked differences in values then and now. The women of the time are given as much time on the page as the men around Henry, making it clear that war is only facet of the man and the king, that he was also a family man, an aesthete and a charismatic, and although luck played a huge part in his life, such as his recovery as a teenager from a deathly arrow to the face, he was able to weld and wield the advantages he and his family forged in the cut-throat business of court and governance.

An incredible five stars: a must read.

Dan Jones' Henry V is an impressive blend of history and narrative that reintroduces one of England’s most iconic kings to modern readers. Henry V is best known for his military prowess and his triumph at the Battle of Agincourt, but Jones paints a far more nuanced picture of the king, balancing his battlefield brilliance with the complexities of his character and the political landscape of his time.

Jones excels in placing Henry V in a broader historical context, weaving the story of his reign into the fabric of late medieval Europe. Readers will gain insight not only into Henry's campaigns but also into his diplomacy, his relationships with his subjects, and the broader consequences of his reign for England and France. Jones' ability to craft a compelling narrative from centuries-old events is a hallmark of his writing, and Henry V is no exception. The book is meticulously researched, providing a depth of information without overwhelming the reader.

What stands out most is Jones’ portrayal of Henry as a man. Instead of focusing solely on his mythic status as a warrior king, the author delves into Henry’s motivations, his religiosity, and the heavy burden of kingship. Jones humanizes Henry, showing that behind his military successes and iconic speeches was a ruler facing immense pressure, often grappling with difficult decisions.

Though Jones clearly admires Henry’s achievements, he doesn't shy away from exploring the more controversial aspects of his reign. The execution of prisoners at Agincourt, the harsh treatment of rebels, and Henry's occasional ruthlessness in pursuit of his goals are all part of the portrait. This balanced approach allows readers to appreciate both the strengths and flaws of Henry V.

The book is also accessible to a broad audience, including those unfamiliar with the intricacies of medieval politics. Jones writes with clarity and avoids academic jargon, making the narrative approachable while still providing enough depth for history enthusiasts.

Overall, Henry V by Dan Jones is a masterful recounting of one of England’s most celebrated monarchs. It offers a well-rounded view of the man, the myth, and the legacy, and will engage anyone interested in English history or medieval warfare. Jones continues to cement his reputation as one of today’s most gifted popular historians with this thoughtful and engaging work.

Brilliant! Did not think a fusty old biography of a medieval king could be so exciting. Writing in the present tense made it much more dramatic and added tension despite knowing all outcomes. Such a good read! Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy.

I've read Dan Jones' work before so I was really excited for this. In 'Henry V', Jones has experimented with the present tense which I think is super effective. It removes the distance that is often felt when reading books about events that happened so long ago. I've studied Henry V before and have read a few books about him but I still learnt so much information from this that I didn't know before. Really accessible but so detailed and informative.

I thought that I knew a lot about the amazing life of Henry V, but this book proves that I am comparatively ignorant!
It's an extremely well-crafted and expertly researched biography of probably, Britain's greatest King. During his short life, Henry was totally immersed in warfare, both in the Kingdom as well as France. He even experienced a grievous, very deep, arrow wound to his head, from which he miraculously survived, especially considering the primitive medical care available at the time.

I loved this book so much, that I intend wading through Dan Jone's other historical books.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.

The author has great enthusiasm for his subject, which is reflected by his engaging writing style throughout this book, which in turn helps make this such an enjoyable read.

The author writes in his introduction;
"I hope you will enjoy, as I have, seeing how Henry tries increasingly to live his life behind a mask that betrays as little of this as possible. And I hope you experience the same thrill that I have of peering behind that mask as was edge as close, psychologically, to a medieval subject as the discipline of history will allow."
And I can honestly say I did honestly enjoy getting to know about the man behind the legend that has built up around him since his untimely death six centuries ago.

Three reasons why I requested this book.
I had a Welsh speaking English teacher, this meant Dylan Thomas and not William Shakespeare. I had no preconceptions about this King.
A trip to France, and a visit to Azincourt meant that the English visitors heard about the defeats inflicted upon us, and the harsh treatments we gave prisoners, very embarrassing.
My late father loved ‘ Old Bolingbroke’, he spoke about his endeavours with pride, and I visited the Castle near Spilsby several times. I wish I had asked him all those years ago the reason why, perhaps, they were fellow yellow bellies.
What a story this is, and such a lot packed into a few years. There was energy, commitment, drive, religious piety and a total un swerving belief in himself and his people. His father, Henry Bolingbroke forced a King to give up his throne and a young Henry never expected to become King, indeed, it was considered more likely he would die as a result of his fathers actions.
Too much research can interrupt the narrative flow, but this author has an easy flowing pace in a modern style. It doesn’t jar with readers, or seem out of place. The descriptions of events are detailed and bloody, whether it be battle scenes, injuries and treatments, the hardships of long days of marching, the noise and smells of Cannon fire, a relatively new experience, and problems of loyalty from his army and knowing who to trust, there were many traitorous acts in those days. We learn that honesty and trust is paramount. Harsh punishments are necessary, and learning how to control men, and look after a neglected Kingdom requires hard work and sacrifices.
A dangerous time to live deserves a special person. Henry the fifth appears to have been that person. A very exciting read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Head of Zeus for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Netgalley UK upon publication.

Dan Jones is, to me, unmatched as an author of historical nonfiction and Henry V more than represents his best work yet. This forms the middle part of a semi-intentional tetralogy with The Plantagenets and The Hollow Crown (which, coincidentally, I read in order). Jones makes the conscious decision to narrate the history of Henry V in present tense to bring history to life, and it works excellently. Every page of this book works towards bringing the 15th century to life in front of your eyes. Absolutely one of my books of the year, and an unmissable read.

I had never read anything about Henry V before, nor did I think I was interested. But this book is by Dan Jones, and we’re talking about an author who could make the laundry list of a monastery an interesting read.
It's a fascinating read about a strong and intriguing historical character that lived in a complex time and was complex and contradictory
It's an informative read that keeps you turning pages like a gripping novel and makes you learn a lot as it talks about the king but also about his time and his youth.
Well done, informative and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Almost like reading fiction!

In the introduction, Jones writes that he was held off on writing Henry V's story until he felt he could do it justice as a writer. I'll be the first to say, he certainly nailed it! Honestly, I know how good of a researcher Jones is, so it was no surprise to me how comprehensive this book is. And while I've always enjoyed reading Jones' books, this was the first time where I really felt like I could just breeze through the entire thing. So well written, and writing it in the present tense was a masterstroke! I also enjoyed seeing much more of young Hal and digging into the root of Henry as King. I very much recommend this book.

Another triumph for Dan Jones!
A great book about a great medieval king.
The author masterfully takes us through Henry’s entire life, showing the lessons the young prince learnt from the different leadership styles of Richard II and Henry IV. Then the reader is shown how Henry was implementing those lessons.
As usual, Dan Jones masterfully and with great pizzazz presents us with narrative history in the way that makes the reader relate, sympathise and understand,

An excellent book i would recommend to anyone interested in factual history. It is well researched with many interesting pieces of information that make it very enjoyable to read.THANKS.

Henry V ruled England but also fought to rule France. This historical biography will detail his life before and after becom8ng king, up to his death. He achieved so much during his reign and understood the need to plan and resource a war not just fight one.

Very well written book that brings Henry to life and not just for his battles. He was learned, loved music and was very religious. He fought believing that God was on his side.

‘In March 1413 Henry ascends to his father’s throne better prepared for rule than any king in living memory.’

Henry V (16 September 1386 – 31 August 1422) reigned over England for only nine years and four months before he died at the age of 35. As the victor at Agincourt, Henry V is considered by many to be England’s greatest medieval king. Both he and his father, Henry IV, were subjects of Shakespearean plays. My studies in history did not include this period of English history, but my studies in English literature included these Shakespearean plays. And most of us know something about the English victory at Agincourt.

I was keen to read this book by Mr Jones: I have read several of his books and find them both interesting and accessible.

Much of this book is written in the present tense and while that reduces the distance between subject and reader, I found it disconcerting initially. And then I was drawn into the narrative. Mr Jones devotes much of the book to the first 26 years of Henry’s life. I enjoyed this: learning more about the man and his preparation for the throne rather than focussing solely on his time as king.

‘What sort of man was Henry?’

Reading this book gave me some idea of the complexity of the man. Henry survived what could have been a fatal wound when, aged 16, he was shot in the face with an arrow. He became both a hardened warrior and an exceptional leader. Henry ascended to the English throne at a time of crisis in both public finance and law and order. And, against the odds, he led the English to victory at Agincourt in 1415.
When Henry died in 1422, his only child, his eight-month-old son became Henry VI.

I finished this book wondering what Henry V’s legacy could have been, had he not succumbed do illness in 1422. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in early 15th century European history.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

The book provided a brilliant insight into the possible motives and mindset of one of England's greatest monarchs.

The decision to write the book from the personal perspective of Henry made for an engaging narrative and a thoroughly enjoyable book.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Henry V is a masterfully crafted portrayal of Englands greatest warrior king. A sobering and nuanced look into a man whos reputation proceeds him and still encourages debate to this day. It raises questions as well as setting out to answer the complexities of his life and reign. How much should we judge historical figures whos lives and politics are inconceivable to our current society?
"Our values are not his. His are not ours. We do not need to pretend otherwise." (LOC 5778)
"Henry is no saint. But nor does he presume to be." (LOC 4065)

Summed up perfectly with quotes and chroniclers (Jean le Fevre, etc al) Henry V comes to life in an explosion of humanity and colour, making the reader confront the person of Henry, rather than the legend cemented as Prince Hal and the exploits of his reign.
"'Endowed [Henry] with a good heart and as much courage as any worldy prince could need'. And he notes that while Henry is capable of making decisions, he is also 'genuinely and graciously willing to be contradicted, and to conform to the wishes of his said council and their ordinance... setting aside his own will'"

This book is a wealth of information and absolutely dripping in imagery and detail. A deeper dive into the life and reign of Henry of Lancaster, King Henry V has yet to materialise. Not only is this accessible to the casual history reader in the easy cadence of the author, but provides a backdrop of information to be explored by people in the area of medieval English history. That is not an easy line to tread. Not to be missed, this will go down as the best biography of a medieval King of England to date. Dan Jones is a master of his craft, the work undertaken for this book does not go unnoticed.