Robert Hardy is famous throughout the world as an actor. Not so widely known is his deep interest in archery and its history. An acknowledged expert on the longbow, he is a Trustee of the Royal Armouries at HM Tower of London, and of the Mary Rose Trust. His meticulously researched book begins by describing the earliest known examples of the longbow, revealing that it was in use worldwide at least 8,000 years ago. With drama, vigour and enthusiasm, he chronicles the arrival of the longbow in Britain, its curious temporary disappearance, its return and gradual adoption as the most important weapon in the English military arsenal, and its coming of age at the battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt. "Longbow" describes the archers themselves, where they came from, their equipment, training, uniform, way of life and terms of service; the fact and fiction of the Robin Hood legend; the reasons why the French never took to the weapon; the devastating effects of longbow against longbow in the Wars of the Roses; the eventual decline of the bow and Henry VIII's campaign to maintain it. Also examined is the longbow as a sporting and hunting weapon, and its status in Britain today. There is a detailed account of how to make a longbow from scratch, including all the tools and materials required. Another bonus for the enthusiast is an important technical appendix written by three experts on the longbow - Henry Blyth of Reading University, Prof. P. L. Pratt of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, and Peter Jones of the Royal Armaments Research and Development Establishment. The chapter on the Mary Rose has been co-written with Prof. Pratt and Prof J. Levy, also of the Imperial College, and is the result of over ten years of study. "Longbow", beautifully illustrated in both colour and black and white, is a compelling story and a major contribution to the history of archery.
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Military Heritage, "April 2007"British actor and archery enthusiast Robert Hardy has penned a comprehensive book dealing with the history of the longbow ... Anyone involved in the sport of archery or hunting with a bow should consider getting a copy of Hardy's book. It could prove invaluable to those individuals already actively involved, as well as budding aficionados just starting out in the sport."
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Robert Hardy is famous for appearing in 'All Creatures Great and Small' and the 'Harry Potter' films. Away from acting, he is an acknowledged expert on archery. He is at Trustee of the Royal Armouries at HM Tower of London and of the Mary Rose Trust and is the author of The Great Warbow (with Matthew Strickland).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
65 of 69 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This book is the key book for any longbow fanatic, plus an interesting read for anyone at all interested in this immensely powerful weapon which is key to our past. It follows the origins of the longbow from neadertal bows to the famed longbowmen of Crecy and Agincourt, then its sad decline from a lethal weapon to a sporting pastime plus it tells of the ceremonial bow regiments of the victorian era. Lastly it contains a detailed description of how a beginner should set about making their own bow, the tools the wood and the time that is needed, followed by an appendix laying out the physical properties of the woods used and how the bow and the arrows should relate to each other in length or strength. The author, the well known Robert Hardy has a very relaxed style and you immediately feel comfortable immersed in the knowledge and experience and photographs that he has ammassed as a master of the longbow for the last sixty years. A great read.
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This excellent book gives a comprehensive history of the longbow. It covers the development of the bow and arrow from its humble beginnings to the heyday of the longbow and the famous battles with the French and at home in the Wars of the Roses. It explains many technical aspects, such as why yew is such a good material for bow-making, the various stages of making a longbow and how arrow points developed to penetrate chain mail and armour. Robert Hardy describes the raising of the Mary Rose, the discovery of so many longbows on board and how those bows were tested. In short the author proves himself to be extremely knowledeable, passionate and willing to impart the information that he must have worked so diligently to obtain.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By tinhat
Format:Hardcover
A excellent book on the history and use of the long bow. The best I've seen so far. Robert Hardy writes in an easy to read and understandable wya. Itis obvious that a great deal of research has culminated in an excellent text book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A gem
Very informative. I appreciate the fact that Thomas Hardy, an expert with the longbow, shares his considerable knowledge and passion with those who would like to learn more about... Read more
Published 2 months ago by david snow
4.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful eloquent meaty book, but perhaps under-edited
I think this is probably the first book I have ever read whose back cover boasts a painting of the author! (Naturally, holding a longbow). Read more
Published 12 months ago by T. D. Welsh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitive work on the subject
This book, which I have enjoyed for a dozen years, I think, is quite excellent and has not got through to the history community, at least in Scotland, because of the usual... Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2011 by W. Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's a good un
This book contains a wealth of information about all aspects of longbows and it is written in an easily accessable style. Read more
Published on 29 Mar 2009 by Gem
5.0 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE FOR HISTORY AND ARCHERY ENTHUSIASTS
A really well written book which for me as both an archery and history enthusiast gave me great pleasure. buy it now !
Published on 25 Mar 2009 by Mr. P. A. Thorp
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Attention to Detail
If someone mentioned the name of Robert Hardy to you, you would probably bring to mind a picture of an English actor with a plummy-voice and tweed suit, who has appeared in... Read more
Published on 15 July 2008 by J. Chippindale
3.0 out of 5 stars
Specialist Subject: Verbiage & Pomposity
Like other books of its type, this one has a lot of information contained within it, but Hardy's writing style is awful and it's hard to get beyond the appalling verbosity. Read more
Published on 9 July 2004 by T. Isitt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very accurate and clear book
This book is exceptional since it is very clear and complete from the historical and technical points of view. The author is clearly in love with the subject, and so am I. Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2001 by Enrique Bozzo
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