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.

Really enjoyed reading this book. Already find this era of kings and royals fascinating from my love of shakespeare so being able to learn more about the whole picture is great. Dan Jones writes comprehesibly making it interesting and engaging. Look forward to giving this another read soon

I was captivated by this book from start to finish. Dan Jones has an effortless way with words that really makes you live and breathe the history he is telling. I've learnt so much about Henry V and enjoyed every second of it.

One thing you can count on with Dan Jones books, and a reason I love them so much, is their readability. You truly feel like you’re having a conversation with him, and can feel his enthusiasm for the subject throughout every page. Henry V, potentially one of England’s most famous Kings thanks to Shakespeare, but also probably one of the most misrepresented Kings of medieval England. When you read of Henry V they will always focus on his deeds, particularly Agincourt, and Jones touches on this during his introduction. Thankfully, in his detailed but endlessly interesting manner, Jones covers the boy and his upbringing that will eventually become the man and King, Henry V. His years as a son of Lancaster and then Prince of Wales, defending his principality are key to understanding Henry, and how he came to be the stalwart King who was able to take on France. Dan Jones delivers a fresh perspective on Henry’s character and how decisions he made may have led to his ever famous victory at that little town in Normandy in 1415.

Really enjoying this book. I've read books on Agincourt before but they only dealt with the battle. This is a story of his life. I knew about the arrow head but this really added to the information