John Hawkwood

An English Mercenary in Fourteenth-Century Italy

By William Caferro | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

About the book

Winner, 2008 Otto Gründler Book Prize, The Medieval Institute

Winner, 2008 Otto Gründler Book Prize, The Medieval Institute

Notorious for his cleverness and daring, John Hawkwood was the most feared mercenary in early Renaissance Italy. Born in England, Hawkwood began his career in France during the Hundred Years' War and crossed into Italy with the famed White Company in 1361. From that time until his death in 1394, Hawkwood fought throughout the peninsula as a captain of armies in times of war and as a commander of marauding bands during times of peace. He achieved international fame, and city-states constantly tried to outbid each other for his services, for which he received money, land, and, in the case of Florence, citizenship—a most unusual honor for an Englishman. When Hawkwood died, the Florentines buried him with great ceremony in their cathedral, an honor denied their greatest poet, Dante.

William Caferro's ambitious account of Hawkwood is both a biography and a study of warfare and statecraft. Caferro has mined more than twenty archives in Britain and Italy, creating an authoritative portrait of Hawkwood as an extraordinary military leader, if not always an admirable human being.

Editions of John Hawkwood

Hardcover
ISBN 9780801883231
Paperback
ISBN 9781421418414
EBook
ISBN 9780801888809

Read an Excerpt

Winner, 2008 Otto Gründler Book Prize, The Medieval Institute

Winner, 2008 Otto Gründler Book Prize, The Medieval Institute

Notorious for his cleverness and daring, John Hawkwood was the most feared mercenary in early Renaissance Italy. Born in England, Hawkwood began his career in France during the Hundred Years' War and crossed into Italy with the famed White Company in 1361. From that time until his death in 1394, Hawkwood fought throughout the peninsula as a captain of armies in times of war and as a commander of marauding bands during times of peace. He achieved international fame, and city-states constantly tried to outbid each other for his services, for which he received money, land, and, in the case of Florence, citizenship—a most unusual honor for an Englishman. When Hawkwood died, the Florentines buried him with great ceremony in their cathedral, an honor denied their greatest poet, Dante.

William Caferro's ambitious account of Hawkwood is both a biography and a study of warfare and statecraft. Caferro has mined more than twenty archives in Britain and Italy, creating an authoritative portrait of Hawkwood as an extraordinary military leader, if not always an admirable human being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is John Hawkwood about?

Winner, 2008 Otto Gründler Book Prize, The Medieval Institute

Winner, 2008 Otto Gründler Book Prize, The Medieval Institute

Notorious for his cleverness and daring, John Hawkwood was the most feared mercenary in early Renaissance Italy. Born in England, Hawkwood began his career in France during the Hundred Years' War and crossed into Italy with the famed White Company in 1361. From that time until his death in 1394, Hawkwood fought throughout the peninsula as a captain of armies in times of war and as a commander of marauding bands during times of peace. He achieved international fame, and city-states constantly tried to outbid each other for his services, for which he received money, land, and, in the case of Florence, citizenship—a most unusual honor for an Englishman. When Hawkwood died, the Florentines buried him with great ceremony in their cathedral, an honor denied their greatest poet, Dante.

William Caferro's ambitious account of Hawkwood is both a biography and a study of warfare and statecraft. Caferro has mined more than twenty archives in Britain and Italy, creating an authoritative portrait of Hawkwood as an extraordinary military leader, if not always an admirable human being.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in John Hawkwood?

History and Archaeology > History > European history

Where can I read a sample of John Hawkwood?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780801883231

How long is John Hawkwood and how many pages does it have?

John Hawkwood has 480 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book John Hawkwood?

William Caferro

Who is the Publisher of the book John Hawkwood?

Johns Hopkins University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

John Hawkwood is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780801883231) and paperback(ISBN 9781421418414) and ebook(ISBN 9780801888809)

Where can I buy John Hawkwood online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy John Hawkwood?