Bernard Cornwell · 2008 · overland

Bernard Cornwell's 2008 novel. Archer Nicholas Hook sails with Henry V's army from Southampton to Normandy in 1415, survives the grim siege of Harfleur, then joins the starving, dysentery-racked English march north toward Calais. Cornered by a vast French host after forcing the Somme, the longbowmen make their stand in the autumn mud at Agincourt - and win one of history's most famous victories.

1. 1
   Southampton

   In the summer of 1415 the archer Nick Hook embarks at Southampton with the great invasion fleet of King Henry V, bound across the Channel to press the English claim to the crown of France.

2. 2
   Harfleur

   The army lands in Normandy and lays siege to the port of Harfleur. It falls, but only after weeks of mud, cannon and disease that leave Henry's host ravaged by dysentery before the campaign has truly begun.

3. 3
   The Somme

   Rather than sail home, Henry marches his dwindling, sickening army north for Calais. Finding the Somme fords held against him, he is forced far upriver before he can cross and press on, the French gathering ahead.

4. 4
   Agincourt

   A vast French army bars the road near the castle of Agincourt. On a narrow field of rain-soaked plough, Hook and the outnumbered English longbowmen loose arrow after arrow into the charging chivalry of France - and break it.

5. 5
   Calais

   His impossible victory won, Henry leads the survivors on to the safety of English-held Calais, and home - the muddy slaughter at Agincourt already passing into legend.