Davies, Jonathan The English Longbow. Investigating a Myth. Volume 1: Performance and Employment, 1298-1485

Volume 31 of the series From Retinue to Regiment 1453-1618. The medieval English longbow is the subject of much debate. This book examines the arguments on this topic and provides a balanced and convincing summary. The book begins with a detailed description of the weapon system - bow, arrow and arrowheads. The origins of the longbow have been much debated, and the mystery surrounding the short and long bows is examined in detail. The capabilities and effectiveness of the longbow are assessed on the basis of recent research and contemporary accounts. The role of the bow in the infantry revolution and the relationship between the longbow and the crossbow are also discussed. The longbow could only be used in war if the monarch could mobilise the resources necessary for its manufacture and if English society had the skilled archers to use it. These issues are examined, including a look at the necessary legal and social conditions. "The English Longbow. Investigating a Myth" is an honest assessment of the longbow. It is not a book about battles, but describes how the bow was used, sometimes successfully, sometimes less so. It offers a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the weapon that shaped Great Britain and continues to do so today.