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professorlove's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.25
Of interest to anyone who prone to readings Holmes and Watson as knights, but truly deeply from the bottom of my heart, shut up about the king for five seconds
georgewbscott's review against another edition
5.0
Tolkien read this book. This is high praise.
I am giving this surprising novel five stars, and wish I could discover it again for the first time.
This book is not for everyone. It’s uses terminology and phrasing that sometimes takes research or just acceptance when the characters describe their weapons, clothes, actions, relationships…just ride with the flow and enjoy the medieval action.
The narrative is told surrounding a second son of an ancient petty noble house. The boy grows up in a monastery and, on his 20th birthday is released to spend a year in the real world so that he can choose, if he wishes, to return to a life of cleric. This is in England, during the Hundred Years War. At this point in my review, dear reader, you may decide this book is not for you. If you have interest in this period of nation-defining history for England, read on!
The major character of interest is Sir Nigel, a short and bald knight, humorous in his constant need to prove his honor against just about anyone, especially knights of his station in the service of his country’s enemies.
The “White Company” itself is one of the “free companies” supporting themselves by roving and pillaging the countryside of Europe, mostly France, between major military conflicts of England’s generations-long attempt to control the kingdom of France. I had recently read the excellent history of Barbara Tuchman, “A Distant Mirror, The Calamitous Fourteenth Century,” which lays out the brutal culture of the time, and sets up comprehension of this world well.
The White Company is composed largely of English archers, and their weapons and tactics are fascinating. One of my favorite scenes is a contest between an expert longbow archer and an expert crossbowman.
The tale is told in a picaresque style, constantly moving across England, France, into Spain and back. A real joy. Conan Doyle, famous for other English characters of the Victorian era (Sherlock Holmes) has given us a world of valor and heroes, where chivalric ethos drives stories of adventure, warfare, love, and wry humor. Thank you Sir Arthur! A true delight!
I am giving this surprising novel five stars, and wish I could discover it again for the first time.
This book is not for everyone. It’s uses terminology and phrasing that sometimes takes research or just acceptance when the characters describe their weapons, clothes, actions, relationships…just ride with the flow and enjoy the medieval action.
The narrative is told surrounding a second son of an ancient petty noble house. The boy grows up in a monastery and, on his 20th birthday is released to spend a year in the real world so that he can choose, if he wishes, to return to a life of cleric. This is in England, during the Hundred Years War. At this point in my review, dear reader, you may decide this book is not for you. If you have interest in this period of nation-defining history for England, read on!
The major character of interest is Sir Nigel, a short and bald knight, humorous in his constant need to prove his honor against just about anyone, especially knights of his station in the service of his country’s enemies.
The “White Company” itself is one of the “free companies” supporting themselves by roving and pillaging the countryside of Europe, mostly France, between major military conflicts of England’s generations-long attempt to control the kingdom of France. I had recently read the excellent history of Barbara Tuchman, “A Distant Mirror, The Calamitous Fourteenth Century,” which lays out the brutal culture of the time, and sets up comprehension of this world well.
The White Company is composed largely of English archers, and their weapons and tactics are fascinating. One of my favorite scenes is a contest between an expert longbow archer and an expert crossbowman.
The tale is told in a picaresque style, constantly moving across England, France, into Spain and back. A real joy. Conan Doyle, famous for other English characters of the Victorian era (Sherlock Holmes) has given us a world of valor and heroes, where chivalric ethos drives stories of adventure, warfare, love, and wry humor. Thank you Sir Arthur! A true delight!
terrordactyl's review against another edition
3.0
It was fun. I didn't get a lot of deeper meaning from it, but I enjoyed the journey.
djaehnig's review against another edition
3.0
“The White Company” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel set against the backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, specifically during the campaign of Edward the Black Prince to restore Peter of Castile to the throne of Spain. Originally published in 1891, the novel takes readers on a journey through England, France, and Spain in the years 1366 and 1367. Though not as well-known as Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series, “The White Company” offers a richly detailed portrayal of medieval life and warfare, infused with the author’s passion for chivalry and historical accuracy. However, while the novel shines in its depiction of the era, its appeal is tempered by a slow-moving plot and somewhat dated narrative style, earning it a middling three-star rating.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was deeply inspired to write “The White Company” after attending a lecture on the Middle Ages in 1889. The lecture sparked Doyle’s interest in the chivalric ideals and the historical intricacies of the 14th century, leading him to undertake extensive research. Doyle’s admiration for the medieval period is evident in the novel, which he wrote in solitude in a cottage in the New Forest. The region’s history and beauty left a significant imprint on his work, particularly influencing his depiction of Castle Malwood and its surroundings.
Published in serial form in The Cornhill Magazine throughout 1891, the novel quickly garnered attention for its vivid historical detail and Doyle’s ability to evoke the spirit of the Middle Ages. Despite its initial success, “The White Company” has since faded into relative obscurity, overshadowed by the enduring popularity of Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. Yet, Doyle himself considered this novel, along with his other historical works, as some of his finest writing, holding it in higher esteem than the detective tales that made him famous.
The plot of “The White Company” follows Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in a monastery, as he leaves the abbey to explore the world and eventually becomes a squire to Sir Nigel Loring, a valiant knight. The story takes readers through a series of adventures as Alleyne joins the White Company, a band of archers, and journeys to France to participate in the campaigns of the Black Prince. Along the way, Alleyne grows from a sheltered and naive youth into a seasoned warrior and knight, a transformation that reflects the novel’s exploration of themes such as honor, chivalry, and personal growth.
Doyle’s depiction of medieval warfare is both detailed and romanticized, showcasing his fascination with the period’s ideals of bravery and loyalty. However, the novel’s pacing is slow, with long stretches of dialogue and description that may challenge modern readers. While the narrative’s focus on chivalric values is compelling, it can also feel didactic, with characters sometimes appearing more as embodiments of ideals than fully realized individuals. The novel’s climax, set before the Battle of Nájera, is well-crafted, though it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a more dynamic or suspenseful conclusion.
Upon its release, “The White Company” was well-received, praised for its historical authenticity and the richness of its period detail. It was popular enough to remain in print and widely read through the first half of the 20th century, especially during the period up to the Second World War. However, as literary tastes evolved, the novel gradually slipped from the public consciousness, overshadowed by Doyle’s detective fiction and the changing literary landscape.
In the years following its publication, “The White Company” was regarded as an important work within the genre of historical fiction, influencing later writers and readers who appreciated its meticulous attention to historical detail. However, its legacy is somewhat limited today, with the novel often overlooked in discussions of Doyle’s work. Despite this, “The White Company” has left a mark on certain aspects of popular culture, with references appearing in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise and S. M. Stirling’s Emberverse series. The novel’s influence is also seen in minor character names in the film A Knight’s Tale (2001), though these nods are more of an homage than a testament to the novel’s enduring impact.
“The White Company” illustrates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s passion for history and chivalry. While it may not captivate readers as much as his Sherlock Holmes stories, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the medieval world through the eyes of an author deeply invested in the period. The novel’s strengths lie in its historical detail and the romanticized portrayal of knightly virtues, but its slow pace and dated narrative style may limit its appeal to modern readers. A solid three-star read, “The White Company” is worth exploring for those interested in historical fiction and medieval adventure, though it may not leave a lasting impression on everyone.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was deeply inspired to write “The White Company” after attending a lecture on the Middle Ages in 1889. The lecture sparked Doyle’s interest in the chivalric ideals and the historical intricacies of the 14th century, leading him to undertake extensive research. Doyle’s admiration for the medieval period is evident in the novel, which he wrote in solitude in a cottage in the New Forest. The region’s history and beauty left a significant imprint on his work, particularly influencing his depiction of Castle Malwood and its surroundings.
Published in serial form in The Cornhill Magazine throughout 1891, the novel quickly garnered attention for its vivid historical detail and Doyle’s ability to evoke the spirit of the Middle Ages. Despite its initial success, “The White Company” has since faded into relative obscurity, overshadowed by the enduring popularity of Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. Yet, Doyle himself considered this novel, along with his other historical works, as some of his finest writing, holding it in higher esteem than the detective tales that made him famous.
The plot of “The White Company” follows Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in a monastery, as he leaves the abbey to explore the world and eventually becomes a squire to Sir Nigel Loring, a valiant knight. The story takes readers through a series of adventures as Alleyne joins the White Company, a band of archers, and journeys to France to participate in the campaigns of the Black Prince. Along the way, Alleyne grows from a sheltered and naive youth into a seasoned warrior and knight, a transformation that reflects the novel’s exploration of themes such as honor, chivalry, and personal growth.
Doyle’s depiction of medieval warfare is both detailed and romanticized, showcasing his fascination with the period’s ideals of bravery and loyalty. However, the novel’s pacing is slow, with long stretches of dialogue and description that may challenge modern readers. While the narrative’s focus on chivalric values is compelling, it can also feel didactic, with characters sometimes appearing more as embodiments of ideals than fully realized individuals. The novel’s climax, set before the Battle of Nájera, is well-crafted, though it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a more dynamic or suspenseful conclusion.
Upon its release, “The White Company” was well-received, praised for its historical authenticity and the richness of its period detail. It was popular enough to remain in print and widely read through the first half of the 20th century, especially during the period up to the Second World War. However, as literary tastes evolved, the novel gradually slipped from the public consciousness, overshadowed by Doyle’s detective fiction and the changing literary landscape.
In the years following its publication, “The White Company” was regarded as an important work within the genre of historical fiction, influencing later writers and readers who appreciated its meticulous attention to historical detail. However, its legacy is somewhat limited today, with the novel often overlooked in discussions of Doyle’s work. Despite this, “The White Company” has left a mark on certain aspects of popular culture, with references appearing in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise and S. M. Stirling’s Emberverse series. The novel’s influence is also seen in minor character names in the film A Knight’s Tale (2001), though these nods are more of an homage than a testament to the novel’s enduring impact.
“The White Company” illustrates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s passion for history and chivalry. While it may not captivate readers as much as his Sherlock Holmes stories, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the medieval world through the eyes of an author deeply invested in the period. The novel’s strengths lie in its historical detail and the romanticized portrayal of knightly virtues, but its slow pace and dated narrative style may limit its appeal to modern readers. A solid three-star read, “The White Company” is worth exploring for those interested in historical fiction and medieval adventure, though it may not leave a lasting impression on everyone.
rikmcrik's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect day to finish this. Only took me 23 years to get around to reading it - sorry, dad. Great book, though.
bluedwards's review against another edition
Was so slow and got lost with the characters and what they were about. May come back to it in the future.
ellehartford's review against another edition
4.0
It definitely has that medieval classic feel, right down to the dialogue. As a devoted Holmes fan it was fascinating to read this (just to get to know Doyle better: there's really no bearing on Holmes), but admittedly it may be tough going for the casual reader!
bperl's review against another edition
5.0
Quite the diamond in the rough, this gem. Doyle wrote “The White Company“ in 1891 as a description of medieval chivalry at the time of the Hundred Years’ War. Fun fact - Doyle liked this book more than his own Holmes series, and it was very popular until the 1940s and ‘50s.
It’s a long slow burn for the first half, though still thoroughly enjoyable. The second act is everything you could wish in an adventure novel, and the final battle scene shivers and shatters in its intensity.
Read it.
It’s a long slow burn for the first half, though still thoroughly enjoyable. The second act is everything you could wish in an adventure novel, and the final battle scene shivers and shatters in its intensity.
Read it.