
A review of Longbow, a social and military history by Robert Hardy.
I’ve had this book for a long time. I bought it way back in 1993, and in fact the first edition was published in 1976. This third edition includes an additional chapter which examines the discovery of 137 longbows and over 3,500 arrows from the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s warship which sank in the Solent in 1545.
Written by the actor Robert Hardy, it’s a comprehensive account of the bow from its invention around 50,000 years ago, concentrating mainly on what is now known as the English longbow. It examines historical and archaeological evidence, and also looks at the presence of the bow in mythology by examining accounts of legends like Robin Hood.
I’ve had this book for a long time. I bought it way back in 1993, and in fact the first edition was published in 1976. This third edition includes an additional chapter which examines the discovery of 137 longbows and over 3,500 arrows from the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s warship which sank in the Solent in 1545.
Written by the actor Robert Hardy, it’s a comprehensive account of the bow from its invention around 50,000 years ago, concentrating mainly on what is now known as the English longbow. It examines historical and archaeological evidence, and also looks at the presence of the bow in mythology by examining accounts of legends like Robin Hood.
The bulk of the book, however, concentrates on the time from the reign of Edward I (1272-1307) onwards, looking at the way the feudal system worked, the rise of the archer, and detailed accounts of the wars with France. Agincourt gets a chapter of its own. Hardy then looks at post-medieval use of the bow, including its use in America. There is also a detailed examination of the making of a longbow.
The final chapter looks at the finds from the Mary Rose, examining the construction of the bows found there, and the deductions that can be made from their length and strength. There are also some appendices with detailed technical considerations.
The final chapter looks at the finds from the Mary Rose, examining the construction of the bows found there, and the deductions that can be made from their length and strength. There are also some appendices with detailed technical considerations.
As a possible criticism, although there are some colour plates, the majority of the book is black and white, which is a shame when this hardback book appears to be marketed as a “coffee table” read. Also, Hardy is happy to pass on his personal views, such as “I find it impossible to believe that commanders of the calibre of Edward III and Henry V, and the rest, wasted the enormous potential of their infantry weapon by failing to supply their archers with enough arrows.” However, Hardy clearly knows his stuff, and because of this I’m happy to accept his opinions.
Although presented as a coffee table book, it’s a thorough, detailed account of the longbow, and should provide any student of the weapon with an in-depth investigation into the longbow’s construction and practical use.
I’ll be posting my own podcast on the longbow over the next few days, so keep your eyes (and ears) peeled!
Freya
Although presented as a coffee table book, it’s a thorough, detailed account of the longbow, and should provide any student of the weapon with an in-depth investigation into the longbow’s construction and practical use.
I’ll be posting my own podcast on the longbow over the next few days, so keep your eyes (and ears) peeled!
Freya
(And Freya's podcast on the Longbow is now available here.)