Longbow : A Social and Military History

‘The longbow’s story is, in large part, England’s story, and Robert Hardy tells it wonderfully.’ – Bernard Cornwell

The late Robert Hardy was famous throughout the world as an actor. Not so widely known was his deep interest and expertise on the subject of archery and its history.

In this meticulously researched book, Hardy begins by describing the earliest known examples of the longbow, revealing that it was in use worldwide at least 8,000 years ago.With drama, vigour and enthusiasm, he chronicles the arrival of the longbow in Britain, its curious temporary disappearance, its return and gradual adoption as the most important weapon in the English military arsenal, and its coming of age at the battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt.

Longbow describes the archers themselves, where they came from, their equipment, training, uniform, way of life and terms of service; the fact and fiction of the Robin Hood legend; the reasons why the French never took to the weapon; the devastating effects of longbow against longbow in the Wars of the Roses; and the eventual decline of the bow and Henry VIII’s campaign to maintain it. Also examined is the longbow as a sporting and hunting weapon, and its status in Britain today.

Beautifully illustrated, and with a detailed account of how to make a longbow from scratch, Longbow is a compelling story and a major contribution to the history of archery.