Sir John Hawkwood was the most celebrated - or notorious - mercenary soldier of the Middle Ages. Commemorated by an extraordinary portrait image of Hawkwood on horseback in Florence cathedral by the great artist Uccello, the English soldier of fortune crowned his career by commanding the Florentine army at the age of 70. An Essex boy, Hawkwood rose from humble roots in his village to fight in Edward III s campaigns at the outset of the Hundred Years War. He travelled to Italy when already 40 and took a leading part in the constant internecine conflicts between the rival Italian city-states. His success over the following three turbulent decades are a tribute to his skills as a soldier - the aspect of Hawkwood s career that Stephen Cooper highlights in this exceptionally interesting book - a must for anyone interested in Mediaeval warfare.
Sir John Hawkwood: Chivalry and the Art of War
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The extraordinary career of Sir John Hawkwood, the most successful mercenary soldier of the Middle Ages, who rose from humble beginnings in an Essex village to command the army of Florence at the age of 70. --Chris Buckland
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By G. Kent
Format:Hardcover
This is a solid biography, though obviously concentrating on the military; after all Hawkwood spent most of his life in the profession of arms. Any Medieval biography has to have elements of Life and Time, because frankly the sources are not there to do the sort of detailed study and psychological analysis, which is frequently a feature of modern biographers.
It is easy to turn away from books published by predominantly military publishers. There can be an obsession with small military details such as uniform and equipment and a lack of wider perspective. There is no such risk with Mr Cooper's work on Hawkwood.
What this is is a well-written, readily comprehensible (no little achievement when describing the politics of 14th century Italy) and compact biography of a notable English soldier, who played a significant role in Italian war and politics of his time. Works on Italian history of this period and in particular of the important mercenary companies are rare in English and all those with an interest in the period or mediaeval warfare should be glad of this opportunity to plug a gap in the literature and their library.
It is easy to turn away from books published by predominantly military publishers. There can be an obsession with small military details such as uniform and equipment and a lack of wider perspective. There is no such risk with Mr Cooper's work on Hawkwood.
What this is is a well-written, readily comprehensible (no little achievement when describing the politics of 14th century Italy) and compact biography of a notable English soldier, who played a significant role in Italian war and politics of his time. Works on Italian history of this period and in particular of the important mercenary companies are rare in English and all those with an interest in the period or mediaeval warfare should be glad of this opportunity to plug a gap in the literature and their library.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As they say 'the truth is stranger than fiction' and with the story of Sir John Hawkwood never has this been more true. Stephen Cooper's captivating history of the English mercenary fighting throughout France and Italy is a must. I found it informative, accurate and yet very easy to read with the addition of Stephen's clever humour that is laugh out loud stuff (much to the annoyance of my better half). This book proves the credentials of the author as a slick teller of historical tales and I can't think of a better tale to tell.
DR. RMP Gilhooly
DR. RMP Gilhooly
Format:Kindle Edition
Well researched book with a wealth of detail about Hawkwood's activities but lacking the overall human touch of Frances Stonor Saunders book on the same subject . Good narrative style and nonetheless enjoyable read.
By Malcolm Reid
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was disappointed with this book. I was looking forward to learning about the life, loves and battles of this fascinating character.
The book was disjointed and didn't follow a chronological order. There was no indepth description of Sir John's life, indeed I learned more about Henry V and the Black Prince.
Still it did give an insight into the political condition of medieval Italy.
The book was disjointed and didn't follow a chronological order. There was no indepth description of Sir John's life, indeed I learned more about Henry V and the Black Prince.
Still it did give an insight into the political condition of medieval Italy.
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