Synopses & Reviews
Helen Nicholson offers a masterly synthesis and summary of the present state of knowledge and debates on various aspects of warfare in medieval Catholic Europe between AD 300 and 1500. Nicholson provides a general overview of the subject, with greater detail on topics of particular interest. Individual chapters consider the theory of warfare, military personnel, buildings and equipment, as well as the practice of warfare by land and sea.
Synopsis
The field of medieval warfare is vast and ever changing, therefore books such as this, which offer a point of entry' into the subject, are invaluable for students. This study enables the reader to get to grips with current debates and research being carried out and provides both a synthesis and summary of material and interpretations. Its thematic approach allows the book to be more focused on particular aspects such as military personnel, militaristic buildings, equipment, war on land and at sea. Whilst not claiming to be definitive, covering the period AD 300-1500 allows Nicholson to explore fully the continuities and discontinuities of warfare from the post-Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Nicholson's written style is superb as always.
Synopsis
Warfare in medieval times was never static or predictable - although there were ideals and conventions to follow, in the field commanders had to use their initiative and adapt to the needs of the moment. In this concise, wide-ranging study, Helen Nicholson provides the essential introductory guide to a fascinating subject.
Medieval Warfare
- Surveys and summarises current debates and modern research into warfare throughout the whole of the medieval period across Europe
- Sets medieval warfare theory and practice firmly into context as a continuation and adaptation of practice under the Roman Empire, tracing its change and development across more than a millennium
- Considers military personnel, buildings and equipment, as well as the practice of warfare by land and sea
About the Author
Helen Nicholson is Senior Lecturer in History, Cardiff University
Table of Contents
Preface * Chronology of Main Events * Introduction * The Theory of Warfare * Military Personnel * Military Buildings * Military Equipment * The Practice of Land Warfare * Naval Warfare * Conclusion * Notes * Further Reading * Index