Last year I read Ian Mortimer's Henry V: The Warrior King of 1415. While I love Shakespeare's Henry V, it is clear his treatment is more "Hollywood" then reality. Mortimer documents that Henry V was much more pragmatic in his war on France. In addition to military preparations, Henry V utilized diplomacy to weaken France. As for movies, I really enjoyed Hiddleston's Henry V, and think it fits well with the prior productions of the Hollow Crown Series. Branagh's Henry V I enjoyed immensely and believe it is probably a production more in line with the Bard's. Branagh's St. Crispin's Day Speech feels like he is speaking to the audience, while Hiddleston's is trying to rally his best mates. I also enjoyed The King, but that was basically a rebuttal to Shakespeare's Henry V.
Kevin, is the Ian Mortimer book you mention the same as "1415, Henry V's year of glory"? I read that one, and Mortimer isn't all that "hip hip hooray" about Henry V. I think he even said in a BBC History podcast that he really didn't like him, so quite a departure from the usual hero worship. I look forward to Dan's opinion!
PS Branagh aced Henry V, one of my favourite films.
Valerie, it may be the same book with a title change for the US market? I recall it being similar to a daily record of Henry V’s actions (domestic and foreign) in preparation for his invasion of France. I was unfamiliar with the diplomatic and propaganda efforts to isolate France and found it impressive. On the other hand, a number of his actions during the war were reprehensible. Considering Henry was still fighting the French and his heir was an infant at the time of his death, I’m not sure whether his reign can ever be properly judged.
Evening Dan. Have you been to Colchester Castle? Did you visit the Plinth underneath the castle? It's been there since Roman times and survived the burning during Boudica's revolt.
Looking forward to a ‘kickass woman’s history month’! -Athena
Plantagenet Week, yay!
Last year I read Ian Mortimer's Henry V: The Warrior King of 1415. While I love Shakespeare's Henry V, it is clear his treatment is more "Hollywood" then reality. Mortimer documents that Henry V was much more pragmatic in his war on France. In addition to military preparations, Henry V utilized diplomacy to weaken France. As for movies, I really enjoyed Hiddleston's Henry V, and think it fits well with the prior productions of the Hollow Crown Series. Branagh's Henry V I enjoyed immensely and believe it is probably a production more in line with the Bard's. Branagh's St. Crispin's Day Speech feels like he is speaking to the audience, while Hiddleston's is trying to rally his best mates. I also enjoyed The King, but that was basically a rebuttal to Shakespeare's Henry V.
Hi Kevin- I am reading Mortimer’s The Fear’s of Henry IV at the moment- brilliant. He’s my (2nd) favourite historian
Kevin, is the Ian Mortimer book you mention the same as "1415, Henry V's year of glory"? I read that one, and Mortimer isn't all that "hip hip hooray" about Henry V. I think he even said in a BBC History podcast that he really didn't like him, so quite a departure from the usual hero worship. I look forward to Dan's opinion!
PS Branagh aced Henry V, one of my favourite films.
Valerie, it may be the same book with a title change for the US market? I recall it being similar to a daily record of Henry V’s actions (domestic and foreign) in preparation for his invasion of France. I was unfamiliar with the diplomatic and propaganda efforts to isolate France and found it impressive. On the other hand, a number of his actions during the war were reprehensible. Considering Henry was still fighting the French and his heir was an infant at the time of his death, I’m not sure whether his reign can ever be properly judged.
Plantagenets! Yay!!!! I have to confess that Richard II has been a fascinating figure to me. Tragic, strange....all sorts of other adjectives.
All set for the France Trip?
Evening Dan. Have you been to Colchester Castle? Did you visit the Plinth underneath the castle? It's been there since Roman times and survived the burning during Boudica's revolt.
The Plantagenet's is my favourite period of history.