`Warfare was the very centre of medieval society.'
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I confess: I picked this book up for the pictures. I am far more familiar with those aspects of medieval warfare that relate to chivalry and heraldry than I am with those that relate to the specific weapons used. From ballistic siege weapons to cannons and artillery: all are covered here. With more than 350 illustrations and drawings, this book provides details of the armour, equipment and uniforms of archers, infantrymen, and cavalrymen (and their horses). It also includes 15 maps of medieval Europe and significant battles within it. In addition to the illustrations, the topics covered include feudalism, siege techniques, the Crusades, the transformation of warfare, cities in warfare and castle building techniques. Of particular interest to me at present were the sections on the Hussites, the Condottieri and mercenary corps, and Renaissance trends. The chapter on peasants at war was especially interesting, as was a chapter on the Teutonic Order. In summary, if you want an overview of the way, why, and how of warfare from the fall of the Roman Empire through to the end of the Protestant Reformation (the Thirty Years War), this book is a wonderful reference. For those of us seeking a general understanding of weapons and some context of various warfare related developments as part of a broader historical context, this book covers most (if not all) points. Jennifer Cameron-Smith
A great book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I read this book when I was younger (10 years ago at a guess) and have recently re-read it. I'm surprised at how fresh it's remained. Often you read a book and come back to it years later only to find that your memories of it and the reality don't match. However, Koch's excellent writing style, (seemingly) encyclopaedic knowledge of what is a very broad subject area, and the gorgeous illustrations (I have the hardback copy)showing all aspects of mediaeval warfare will ensure that I will be returning to it more frequently than before!
Medieval Warfare, H W Koch
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
A must have for the armour enthusiast. This book has loads of large detailed illuminations showing the armour and tactics of the middle ages. There's also many photos, sketches and maps. This book is informative and easy to read as well. Seventeen chapters, from peasants in warfare to Hussites, Crusades and Teutonics.
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