Eight bookshop windows are adorned with striking murals of a series of characters from Dan Jones’ historical fiction debut Essex Dogs. 

The temporary illustrations by Ash Fields at Our Tiny Windows can be seen at eight different bookshops in total. These include: Maldon Books, Waterstones Norwich and Topping & Company in Edinburgh, Booka Bookshop in Oswestry, Waterstones stores in Canterbury, Chelmsford and Brentwood and Goldsboro in Covent Garden. Together the murals make up part of a wider battle scene.

Pictured Above: Father, painted at Maldon Bookshop, Essex

The images will also be appearing across social media to introduce the characters in the book and on specially created postcards available in bookshops.

Pictured Above: Scotsman at Toppings, Edinburgh

Essex Dogs is the explosive first instalment in an epic new trilogy set during the Hundred Years' War. The hardback is due for release on 15th September alongside the audiobook narrated by “The Crown” star Ben Miles. The novel follows a tight-knit company from Essex who 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. 

Our Expert Reviewer, Joanne Owen described it as "bold, bloody, and funny to boot". You can read her full review on the book page.

Pictured Above: Loveday at Waterstones, Chelmsford

Laura Palmer, publisher at Head of Zeus, said: “I couldn’t be happier with this innovative, gorgeous campaign which centres Dan’s exceptional characters and celebrates the regional UK bookshops who are so crucial to the health of our industry. All credit to the Head of Zeus sales and marketing team for seeing that when it comes to advertising power, bookshops are the new buses.”

Pictured Above: Lyntyn & Darys at Booka, Oswestry

These eye-catching window displays are part of a wider online and in-shop marketing campaign for the renowned writer, broadcaster and journalist's debut historical fiction novel. To mark its release, specialist independent bookseller Broken Binding has created a sprayed-edge special limited edition of Essex Dogs. Dan Jones has embarked on a UK-wide book tour which started on the 5th September at Topping & Company in Edinburgh. He is also releasing a documentary series linked to the book on History Hit and a podcast.

Pictured Above: Millstone at Waterstones, Catebury

Jones said: “I didn’t think I could have any more fun than creating the 10 hard-bitten medieval characters who drive the story of Essex Dogs. I was wrong. Working with the insanely talented Ash Fields on bringing the Dogs alive on bookshop windows across the UK has been one of the most exciting creative collaborations of my career. 

Pictured Above: Romford at Goldsboro Books, London

“This project is exactly why I’ve been publishing books with Head of Zeus for nearly a decade and why I’m so glad they have backed me in my move into historical fiction. Year after year, Head of Zeus leads the way in innovative campaigns which draw together editorial, marketing, publicity and sales and work seamlessly across media and platforms.” 

Pictured above: Tabbe & Thorp at Waterstones, Brentwood