Longbow: A Social and Military History

I read this book for a graduate course in medieval history. Robert Hardy's book Longbow A Social and Military History. This is the third edition printed in 1993. It is enlarged to include information on the archery equipment found on the archaeological dive from the ship, "The Mary Rose;" a warship from the Reign of the English King, Henry VIII. Besides being a famous British actor, Mr. Hardy is an acknowledged expert on the longbow, including how it is manufactured. He is a longtime member of the Royal Toxophilite Society, which is the society for archery enthusiasts. In his book, Hardy has meticulously researched the history of the longbow, from ancient history through its greatest impact in warfare during the Hundred Years' War; specifically, the battles of Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. Hardy even has chapters devoted to the longbow's use in hunting and as a modern day sporting weapon. In addition, his book includes a very scientific and technical appendix on all manners pertaining to the physics and ballistics of the bow and arrow, including their material and design, as well as the ballistic effects of arrows on armor. Bows fall into two classifications-composite and wooden. Composite bows are made of wood and other organic components, such as horn or sinew. Since composite bows are short, the other organic materials used to construct them increase the bow's power. Composite bows were used primarily in Africa and Asia, and were most likely manufactured in reaction to the scarcity of wood in these areas. The longbow, as defined by the British Longbow Society, is no less then five feet long, for arrows of up to twenty-six inches in length, and no less then five foot six inches in length for arrows of over twenty-six inches long. It is a D sectioned wooden spring and not flat, and the limbs are to be made of wood and the bow is to be convex. The very best bows are made from Yew wood. This describes the sixteenth century bows found on the Mary Rose and from all historical indications, those that were in use during the Hundred Years' War. Hardy opens his book with an informative history of the bow and arrow. In researching the early history of the bow, archaeologists have found arrowheads in Northern Africa from 50,000 years ago. They have also discovered cave paintings depicting men using several different shapes of bows while engaged in hunting. The Romans used short composite bows with their cavalry forces, since longbows were too cumbersome to use on horseback. Most of the Roman army's mounted bowmen where from Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. The Germanic tribes that the Romans found themselves fighting so often, used longbows against them to a devastating effect, which was reminiscent of the battle of Crecy from the Hundred Years' War. In 354 C. E., the Germanic shower of arrows prevented the Romans from crossing the Rhine River and thus, halted their expansion on the European continent. The oldest bow found in Bri

Robert Hardy is most well known for his role as Siegfried Farnon on the long running BBC series "All Creatures Great and Small." However most people are not aware he is an experienced in the sport of archery. Due to the love of the sport and the longbow Hardy has written "Longbow: A Social and Military History." The book takes you through the complete history of the longbow which is fascinating for those who love medevial history. Hardy also includes a section on how to craft your own longbow. This book is a must read for everyone who loves the sport of archery.

LONGBOW: A SOCIAL AND MILITARY HISTORY follows the evolution of the longbow: a 6-foot weapon with a long-reaching history from ancient to more modern times in Britain. It became the most important weapon in the English military arsenal and won many battles: black and white illustrations throughout chart its progress and evolution. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

The contents of this exhaustive history of the longbow are outstanding. Research and illustrations are top notch, as is the wealth of information provided by the authors on the use of archery as a weapon down through the years precding firearms. I would have liked to have seen some discussion on how it must have been making the successful transition from practicing against stationary targets in the butts versus shooting at live combatants moving, riding, running and trying their best to kill the archer with their own weapons. MY CHIEF COMPLAINT is that the book is printed in some strange typeface I have never seen before. It is very thin and very light, making it extremely difficult to focus on and read. I own thousands of books and have collected them for 40 years but have never encountered this typeface in a modern book before. So beware buyer, the contents are excellent IF you can read the typeface!

A wonderful book. You may remember Mr Hardy as 'Seigfried' in the show 'All Creatures Great and Small'. Well he can write up a storm and enthrall you while educating you in medieval history, metallurgy, and the glories of the Longbow. This is a book to cherish. You will never think of armour as lumps of silly iron again, and he brings the Longbow to life. If you can read, you will enjoy this - and there's some great pictures too!