Henry V: The Conscience of a King

Shakespeare's portrayal of Henry V as a warmongering monarch is revised in Malcolm Vale's book, revealing him as a multidimensional ruler of great piety, a hands-on governor, a composer of music, an art patron, and a dutiful king. Vale's research includes primary archival evidence, focusing on themes such as the interaction between king and church, the rise of the English language, and the role of ceremony in Henry's kingship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

More than just a single-minded warrior-king, Henry V emerges in this fresh account as a gifted ruler who was acutely aware of spiritual matters and the welfare of his subjects. Shakespeare's centuries-old portrayal of Henry V has established the king's reputation as a warmongering monarch, a perception that has persisted ever since. However, in this exciting and thoroughly researched volume, a different view of Henry emerges: a multidimensional ruler of great piety, a hands-on governor who introduced a radically new conception of England's European role in secular and ecclesiastical affairs, a composer of music, an art patron, and a dutiful king who fully appreciated his obligations toward those he ruled.

Historian Malcolm Vale draws on extensive primary archival evidence, including many documents annotated or endorsed in Henry's own hand. Focusing on a series of themes, such as the interaction between king and church, the rise of the English language as a medium of government and politics, the role of ceremony in Henry's kingship, and more, Vale revises our understanding of Henry V and his conduct of the everyday affairs of England, Normandy, and the kingdom of France.

Henry V was a deeply religious man who believed in the power of prayer and the authority of the Bible. He was also a skilled administrator who introduced a number of reforms to improve the efficiency of the English government. One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the English Court of Chancery, which was responsible for resolving legal disputes and administering justice.

In addition to his administrative reforms, Henry V was also a patron of the arts. He was a keen musician and composer, and he supported the development of the English language as a medium of government and politics. He also commissioned a number of works of art, including the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events of the Battle of Hastings.

Henry V was also a dutiful king who was committed to the welfare of his subjects. He was known for his generosity and kindness, and he was often praised for his fairness and justice. He was also a skilled diplomat who was able to negotiate peace treaties with France and other European powers.

In conclusion, Henry V was a complex and multifaceted ruler who was deeply committed to his faith, his country, and his subjects. He was a skilled administrator, a patron of the arts, and a dutiful king who was respected and admired by his contemporaries and by historians today. His legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270075