Diving Into 'Henry V:' Thoughts on Dan Jones' portrayal of a Warrior King - Book Review

provincialmills
Jul 12
2 min read

Title: Henry V: The Astonishing Triumph of England's Greatest Warrior King

Author: Dan Jones

Genre: History

Favorite Parts:

Shakespeare’s Henry V immortalized one of Henry’s greatest battles, shaping his legend through drama and language. The phrase Band of Brothers, popularized by the World War II series, originated from Henry’s stirring speech in Shakespeare’s play.
Unlike many monarchs who viewed siblings as rivals, Henry worked closely with his brothers, forging an unusual and effective alliance in governance and warfare.
Dan Jones vividly portrays Henry’s deep piety and humility, showing how he credited his victories to God and the efforts of his men rather than his own leadership.

What is it about? (Short Summary)

This book explores the life of Henry V from his adolescent years all the way to his death, detailing the lessons he learned before he was king, the lessons he absorbed during his reign, his military victories and successes, and even just some lucky outcomes. Dan Jones balances narrative flair with solid research to bring each phase of Henry’s life vividly to the page.

Jones also examines how Henry’s reign was different because he had three trustworthy brothers who helped him rule the land and lead the armies throughout his life. Their partnership provided both a stable domestic foundation and a united command on the battlefield, setting his rule apart from many of his contemporaries.

What I Liked:

Dan Jones’ writing style is one of the book’s greatest strengths—engaging, accessible, and free from the dryness that often plagues historical texts. His ability to craft shorter, dynamic chapters keeps the pacing brisk, making it easy to stay immersed in the narrative. The book reads more like a compelling story than an academic analysis, avoiding excessive footnotes and citations that can disrupt the flow. This approach makes it an enjoyable experience for both casual history enthusiasts and serious scholars alike.

What I Didn't Like:

While the book delivers a fascinating portrait of Henry V, it focuses heavily on his military campaigns in France, leaving out detailed discussions of England’s domestic affairs during his reign. Since much of Henry’s time was spent leading battles abroad, governance at home was largely managed by one of his brothers, a dynamic that is mentioned but not explored in depth. Readers hoping for a closer examination of England’s internal politics under Henry’s rule may find this aspect lacking. However, if the primary interest is in Henry’s rise as a warrior king, the book provides a thorough and engaging account of his military prowess.

Final Overall Rating

Henry V Dan Jones Book Review

This is not simply an average of the previous 3 ratings, but its own rating about how all the separate pieces came together and if it is worth your time to read it!

Content: 🪶🪶🪶🪶✧ (4/5 Quills)
Research: 🪶🪶🪶🪶✧ (4/5 Quills)
Writing Style: 🪶🪶🪶🪶🪶 (5/5 Quills)

This book is an exceptional work! Immersive, insightful, and impeccably researched—this book is a must-read and earns its place in any literary hoard.

🪶🪶🪶🪶🪶