Henry V

The Warrior King of 1415

By: Ian Mortimer

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

Length: 25 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

This insightful look at the life of Henry V and the Battle of Agincourt casts new light on a period in history often held up as legend. A great English hero, Henry V was lionized by Shakespeare and revered by his countrymen for his religious commitment, his sense of justice, and his military victories.

Here, noted historian and biographer Ian Mortimer takes a look at the man behind the legend and offers a clear, historically accurate, and realistic representation of a ruler who was all too human.

©2013 Ian Mortimer (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A new and convincing likeness of medieval England's most iconic king." ( Sunday Times)

Go for it

Surprise surprise, I watched The King on Netflix and wanted to learn more about the real Henry V - if you’re in the same boat than this is a great place to start. Unique and engaging format and grapples with the difficulties of 15th century life and how we may interpret things today. Ian Mortimer is a great guide for engaging the man behind the myth in an objective and thoughtful way.

Day by day

I purchased this book bc I really enjoyed reading the same author’s book on Henry IV. This book was very different yet still very interesting and engrossing. The author provides extensive details about events and transactions while still telling an interesting narrative illustrating life during these times.

New Insights

I just learned something today after listening to Prof. Mortimer’s audiobook. It relates to the Battle of Agincourt and perceived troop strengths on each side. I will not disclose the exact new kernel of knowledge gained, but listen to this fine audiobook and you may too have an “AHA!” moment like I just did.

This is a very well researched and written book and I am a better person for having bought it. James Cameron Stewart is a narrator of the first water. His pacing is perfect.

Drop the dime. This audiobook is worth your time.

Great, But???

This is very good but very prejudice and opinionated. This is well told and resource with a heavy judgmental personal opinion on this King. This author states so himself. Narration is excellent.

Unusual approach

This is not a biography.

This is a day by day account of the year 1415 covering all events relevant to Henry. The author has his reasons for this approach, and despite its inherent challenges does a good job of keeping up with many different storylines over the course of the year.

Reader was excellent.

Love the author & other titles, not this narrator

As a huge fan of Ian Mortimer and his series on English medieval monarchs, the narrator of this specific book is just not for me; too robotic, emotionless, monotonous with overly predicable pausing within the sentence structure, regardless of content. Unfortunate as the content is exceptional.

Comprehensive & Engaging Look at Henry V

I thoroughly enjoyed this true story of the most pivotal year in the reign of Henry V. While an almost daily recounting of what he did and what else was going in Europe at the time (most significantly the Council of Constance which was trying to heal the great Papal Schism and the trial and burning of Jan Huss) may seem boring to some, I found it fascinating & amazing! This was greatly assisted by the articulate narrator, who seemed very passionate about pronouncing every French name correctly! Highly recommended for anyone seriously interested in this historical period!

Accessible, grounded, enjoyable

Excellent narration meets excellent history for a broad audience--while displaying real academic rigor. By approaching the year day by day and in paying attention to exactly where the money went, Mortimer shows how Henry spent his time and his money. How could you do better to see what a person values? Mortimer also frankly addresses the limitations of his approach, while defending what he believes (and I agree) it adds to a discussion of Henry. Thus, Mortimer comes across as informed, intelligent, and intellectually honest. The best history book I've read in several years.

Thoroughly enjoyed.

What did you like about this audiobook?

I liked the progression according to the calendar. It gave me a chance to understand just how hard it was to get an invasion planned and to pull it off.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

This is the first history book I have read like this. I like it very much.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

He was easy for me to follow and I didn't get annoyed even after an hour or so.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

what it took to go to war in 1415

Good but not as good as his Edward 3 or Henry IV

An interesting book but being told in sequential order using only 1415 I think hurt the storytelling aspect. The author is not a big fan of Henry V. He makes some good points but concluding that greatness is not possible because people are flawed is strange.1