Essex Dogs: The epic Richard & Judy Summer Book Club Pick 2023 from a Sunday Times bestselling historian

The BBC History 2022 Book of the Year and Richard & Judy Book Club Pick from Sunday Times bestselling author Dan Jones. July 1346. The Hundred Years' War has begun, and King Edward and his lords are on the march through France. But this war belongs to the men on the ground. Swept up in the bloody chaos, a tight-knit company from Essex must stay alive long enough to see their home again. With sword, axe and longbow, the Essex Dogs will fight, from the landing beaches of Normandy to the bloodsoaked field of Crécy. There's Pismire, small enough to infiltrate enemy camps. Scotsman, strong enough to tear down a wall. Millstone, a stonemason who'll do anything to protect his men. Father, a priest turned devilish by the horrors of war. Romford, a talented young archer on the run from his past. And Loveday FitzTalbot, their battle-scarred captain, who just wants to get his boys home safe. Some men fight for glory. Others fight for coin. The Essex Dogs? They fight for each other. Praise for Essex Dogs: 'A book that draws you in page by page. The way Dan Jones writes enemies reminds me of Cornwell at his best, turning up tension click by click.' Conn Iggulden 'A new champion has entered the front line of historical fiction to stand shoulder to shoulder with Bernard Cornwell.' Jane Johnson 'Battle-bloody, brutal and perfectly pitched.' Daily Mail 'Vital, earthy, and heart-stopping.' Suzannah Lipscomb 'The soldiers' lives are rather brilliantly recreated – the kit, the fighting, the boredom and discomfort.' The Times 'Only Dan Jones can carry you through blood, piss and vomit and leave you wanting more.' Daisy Dunn 'A cast of unforgettable characters.' Simon Sebag Montefiore 'Simply stunning.' Duff McKagan, New York Times No1 bestselling author of It’s So Easy, and founder member of Guns N' Roses