Book Description
The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare provides a unique account of Western warfare from antiquity to the present. The book treats all aspects of the subject from the Greeks to the nuclear age: the development of warfare on land, sea and air; weapons and technology; strategy and defense; discipline and intelligence. Throughout, there is an emphasis on the socio-economic aspects of war: who pays for it, how can its returns be measured, and to what extent does it explain the rise of the West to global dominance over two millennia? Geoffrey Parker is one of the world's leading authorities on military history and is the editor of The Times Atlas of World History (1993) and the author of The Military Revolution (Cambridge,1988).
Customer Reviews:
Exactly the overview for which I was searching .......2007-03-19
This book offers an excellent overview of warfare throughout the ages, from the Assyrians to the present day, and covering the personalities, weapons, strategies, tactics and technologies used. It should be noted that it covers only warfare as it has impacted and been fought in the Western culture, with no reference at all to important forces like the Mongols and only very brief interludes relating to the likes of China and Japan (except insofar as their wars involved Western opponents as in the Russo-Japanese War or World War II).
It is not a work for experts, in my opinion, but a terrific primer for those who are new to the subject and looking to ground themselves in the subject before moving on to more focussed and analytical works.
One very helpful feature of the book is that it contains diagrams of several key battles, showing troop deployments and movements. Many other overview texts on the history of warfare which I have seen merely describe the battles, and I found the diagrams particularly useful in clarifying how these fights developed. My one criticism of the book is that might have used more such diagrams, but that is a quibble.
Good Solid Book.......2006-03-11
This book is a great guide to the history of warfare. I have looked at and read a lot of books on this subject, and I find this book to be pretty good. What makes it better than most are the pictures, special boxes highlighting neat events, maps, and graphics.
The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare.......2005-08-18
A nice straightforward history compilation. The book is a collection of summaries that read easily and are well written.
Excellent Summary On The Evolution of Western Warfare.......2005-03-16
As with its political and economic systems, Western Europe came to develop very unique military institutions that had evolved from Greco-Roman military doctrines applying war as a science and as a precise instrument towards defined political ends: emphasizing on uniform training and equipment as well as strict discipline. This book studies the evolution of Western military institutions from antiquity to modern times and demonstrates how these progressive changes contributed to the modern doctrines of Western warfare that are used today by every nation-state.
Geoffrey Parker did an excellent job in this work. Although many illustrative books are just that, this book has very detailed explanations in addition to very useful illustrations such as photos, maps, and diagrams. The book covers all of the important aspects of Western military evolution. For example, it will start by explaining how the early Greek phallanx comprised of citizen farmers was a significant factor to developing the citizen armies of the Roman legions to the later nation-state armies of 18th century Europe. The book looks at the impact of important military/political thinkers such as Thucydides, Caesar, Machiavelli, and Clausewitz, in the evolution of military doctrine. The book of course makes sure to cover how advances in science and engineering such as siege engines, firearms, and explosives changed the conduct of warfare and how armies adapted to such changes.
This is nothing short of an excellent book that has the right balance between text and illustrations. Unlike other illustrative texts that are mostly pictures with little substance, this book is extremely thorough and detailed as to the main factors responsible towards the unique evolution of western military institutions and their impact on the world. I strongly recommend it.
Good Overview of Warfare.......2004-01-09
This book provides a good first glance at the various stages of warfare that have come and gone throughout human history, from Greek Hoplites to guerilla warfare. The illustrations in this book are very beautiful and informative, and a number of insets provide interesting factoids.
This book is ideally suited for those wanting a good overview of the history of warfare. Be forewarned, though, that this book should not be used as a reference except for general facts in the history of warfare. Battle formations, major skirmishes and important people make up the majority of the content. Smaller details are not included, for the most part.
Overall, this is a great book to own. I bought it for a college course a few years back and kept it afterwards. This is a good starting-off point for any interested in military history.
Book Description
The three centuries following the discovery of the New World was a period of unprecedented global expansion, spearheaded by the lusty armies of the imperial European powers. This volume of The Cambridge Illustrated Atlases of Warfare is a lively and elaborately illustrated study of warfare during the early modern period, ranging from the European Renaissance to the American Revolution. Unique color maps and authoritative text illuminate the major military and naval developments that characterized the period. Feature boxes describe key events, important military confrontations, individual tacticians, battle strategies and weapons. Throughout, the author pays particular attention to the effects of European military expansion on the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. This comprehensive and accessible book about a fascinating and important period will appeal to war buffs and historians alike.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference.......2004-01-06
This book, and its companion, covering The Middle Ages, 768-1487 and Renaissance to Revolution, 1492-1792, though with different authors, form an elegant pair of references. They cover a period that is infrequently covered in much detail, and rarely illustrated with any maps, much less the excellent examples here. My primary use for these books is as aids when reading both history and, even more, historical fiction such as Sharon Kay Penman, Dorothy Dunnett and Neal Stephenson. These authors write intricately plotted tapestries that rely heavily on movements in historical time, but their publishers include only incidental maps. These volumes supply a much needed reference for readers who are not quite au courant with the 3rd Anglo Dutch War, or the rise of Maratha India. The accompanying text gives an adequate survey of the time, but the primary emphasis is `rightly on the illustrated portion. The maps are beautifully designed, and easily deciphered, covering both individual battles and broader strategic concepts.
It's not bad...not great, but not bad.......2001-12-14
This isn't a bad book especially if you are looking for a good, general history of warfare during this time period.
At times the author gets a little heavy handed with the political correctness. For example, he states in the preface how he wanted to move away from the "customary dominance by western European developments". Then on the very next page he says "it is all too easy to take a Eurocentric perspective..."
Whatever. Can't historians just write their books nowadays without having to drag all this PC baggage around with them?
If you can slog through the rhetoric this book isn't so bad.
Not for the Wargamer or Military Historian.......2001-06-25
This Atlas is too general for the Military Historian and wargamer, but is a nice worldwide historical overview. It does have some good political maps, but there are not a lot of them, and they are only snapshots far apart in time. When I think of an Atlas I think of page followed by page of maps. This book is mostly text with many illustrative maps, and lots of non-map pictures. It is not as detailed as some other historical Atlases. I do not mean to disparage this work, it is a very good, very colorful overview, and puts military history in context. It is not however, a book that will provide informative maps for the Military Historian, or gaming enthusiast. Definately a book to check out of the library, It would be a good buy as a color paperback, unfortunately I paid for a hard copy.
Brilliant and provoking.......2000-05-15
Black's clear advantage was that the timeline span of the subject was avoided by most historians, probably because it's difficult to compile into a single piece of work. But, Black have done it in a fashion, arguably, very original than most historical atlases.
The special maps and themes are divided into daunting blocks of adventure and you'll not stop until the last pages. There are new insights into the clashes between Portugal and Utsmani Devlet in and around the Indian Ocean.
Let's hope more works come out from this author, at least from the Cambridge Series. In the end, you'll wish the pages were much longer as your thirst grew unbearable.
Book Description
How do the weak defeat the strong? Ivan Arreguín-Toft argues that, although many factors affect asymmetric conflict outcomes (for example, the relative power of the actors, their weapons technology, and outside support), the interaction of each actor's strategy is the best explanation. Supporting his argument with combined statistical and comparative case study analysis, Arreguín-Toft's strategic interaction theory has implications not only for international relations theorists, but for policy makers grappling with interstate and civil wars, as well as terrorism.
Book Description
This is a revised edition of R. C. Smail’s classic account of the military achievements of the Crusaders in the context of a â€~feudal society organized for war’. A new bibliographical introduction and an updated bibliography have been provided by Christopher Marshall, while the original plates section has been replaced by a series of new subjects. In covering the period 1097-1193, this edition also complements Dr Marshall’s own Warfare in the Latin East, 1192–1291, also available in a paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Scholarship, not popular history.......2006-05-05
This is a scholarly study of warfare in the broader sense, including not just tactics but the social context, recruitment, castle-building (including an interesting discussion of the strategic role of castles), and so on. Where detail is lacking, it is because of the scarcity of records from the Latin kingdoms; for example, we know little of the composition or role of the crusaders' Turcopole auxiliaries. Smail does what he can with fragments of Old French or Latin (which, unfortunately, he quotes but does not translate) and provides ample footnotes for those who want to investigate further. There is little on weapons and siegecraft.
An essential book for those seriously interested in the military aspects of the crusades, but those wanting a vivid narrative should look elsewhere.
A good analysis.......2000-12-28
Crusading Warfare is not a history of the Crusades, but it is a good analysis of the military operations and military structures of the crusading states and their Saracen opponents. If you already have a general knowledge of Crusading history, and are looking for a more detailed look at the military aspects of the crusading age, this book is for you, with one caveat: this book does tend to concentrate on the militaries of the feudal kingdoms that were established in Syria, and has little on the crusading armies that originated in Europe.
Book Description
Andrew Scobell examines the use of Chinese military force abroad as in Korea (1950), Vietnam (1979), and the Taiwan Strait (1995-1996) and domestically, as during the Cultural Revolution of the late 1960s and in the 1989 military crackdown in Tiananmen square. Scobell warns that a "Cult of Defense" disposes Chinese leaders to rationalize all military deployment as defensive. However, changes in the People's Liberation Army's doctrine and capabilities over the past two decades suggest that China's 21st Century leaders may use military force more readily than their predecessors.
Download Description
In this unique study of China's militarism, Andrew Scobell examines the use of military force abroad - as in Korea (1950), Vietnam (1979), and the Taiwan Strait (1995-1996) - and domestically, as during the Cultural Revolution of the late 1960s and in the 1989 military crackdown in Tiananmen Square. Debunking the view that China has become increasingly belligerent in recent years because of the growing influence of soldiers, Scobell concludes that China's strategic culture has remained unchanged for decades. Nevertheless, the author uncovers the existence of a 'Cult of Defense' in Chinese strategic culture. The author warns that this 'Cult of Defense' disposes Chinese leaders to rationalize all military deployment as defensive, while changes in the People's Liberation Army's doctrine and capabilities over the past two decades suggest that China's twenty-first century leaders may use military force more readily than their predecessors.
Customer Reviews:
Scobell's argument for a Chinese "Cult of Defense" is strong...........2006-01-19
Andrew Scobell's book China's Use of Military Force gives Western readers and government professionals a fascinating insight into Communist China's historical use of military power. This book is not overburdened by verbiage and reads quite easily, and makes some potent insights into the mindset of Chinese leaders. With China and Taiwan a ongoing hot button issue, this book is especially relevant.
Scobell argues that the Chinese government's decision making process for military actions has always been one of the "cult of defense". What is unusual about this doctrine is that their notion of self-defense includes aggresive offensive action to counter the possibility of a threat to their borders as well as their Communist leadership. The most notable examples of this are the border war with Vietnam in the 70's and the Chinese intervention in Korea in 1950. Scobell also argues that the "cult of defense" includes internal matters that threaten the stability of the communist leadership, ie Tianamen Square. Despite commonly held beliefs that it is the PLA military leaders who wish for action, in most cases it has been the civilian government pushing for action with the military arguing for restraint.
What does this mean for the future? Scobell believes that the established use of this doctrine makes it more likely that China would act aggresively in the future towards its neighbors, IF it feels that the neighbor's actions threaten them in some manner. It is not quite clear what boundries limit this theory, for example, would the Chinese use military force to secure the entire Spratly Island chain if it believed that other countries would attempt to access its oil fields? Based on Scobell's thesis, the answer would likely be yes. Overall a well argued and researched book, and one not to be taken lightly when discussing the strategic situation in Asia.
Book Description
Warfare in the Middle Ages is often characterized as being dominated by lone, heroic knights or enormous mobs of plodding infantry. In this colorful and informative book, authors Hooper and Bennett debunk many of the myths surrounding medieval warfare to present a picture of a military culture as sophisticated as our modern one, with well organized armies and a high degree of tactical intelligence. The authors make their case by masterful use of high-quality maps, battle plans, and pictorial essays that explore such topics as siege warfare, the use of cavalry, the development of naval warfare, medieval science and warfare, and the legacy of the Middle Ages in modern military warfare. The Atlas spans the period from the coronation of Charlemagne to the last of the English Wars of the Roses and covers campaigns in and around Europe and the Mediterranean. The illustrations depict all levels of warfare from the strategic campaigns down to individual battles, fortifications, and weaponry. The lucid narrative that accompanies the pictures explains the course of campaigns and lessons to be learned from them. This book is written for the general reader with an interest in the history of warfare.
Customer Reviews:
a excellant book for beginers.......2004-11-09
I like this book although it might lack certain information on several important battles in medieval europe it does however make up with it's beautiful illustrations. I would say this is a good book for people who want to make it simple, and for the serious reader I suggest reading Medieval Warfare: A History. In all even to some it might be a tad bit steep but you wouldnt be disappointed.
Excellent reference.......2004-01-06
This book, and its companion, covering The Middle Ages, 768-1487 and Renaissance to Revolution, 1492-1792, though with different authors, form an elegant pair of references. They cover a period that is infrequently covered in much detail, and rarely illustrated with any maps, much less the excellent examples here. My primary use for these books is as aids when reading both history and, even more, historical fiction such as Sharon Kay Penman, Dorothy Dunnett and Neal Stephenson. These authors write intricately plotted tapestries that rely heavily on movements in historical time, but their publishers include only incidental maps. These volumes supply a much needed reference for readers who are not quite au courant with the 3rd Anglo Dutch War, or the rise of Maratha India. The accompanying text gives an adequate survey of the time, but the primary emphasis is `rightly on the illustrated portion. The maps are beautifully designed, and easily deciphered, covering both individual battles and broader strategic concepts.
Awesome general overview of medieval warfare........2002-11-30
This is really one of the best general books on medieval warfare I have seen. It has two great advantages:
First, it covers the overall strategies of campaigns throughout the ages, with insight into motivations, logistics, tactics, and the like. Few major wars are ignored, and the level of depth pursued is great enough for all but the foremost researchers on the topic.
Second, the book has awesome illustrations representing both overall campaign strategies and the tactics utilized in individual battles. Combined with the detailed descriptions, this has offered me the most insight into how medieval battles were carried out and won.
I highly recommend this book to anyone at all interested in medieval warfare.
Needed more discussion on the Islamic history.......2000-03-27
Although the term "Middle Ages" often referred to the European age of transistion, other important events went on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea where Islamic science and culture advanced beyond western's comprehension. Apart from the short descriptions on Reconquista, Crusades, and Ottoman Empire (Devlet?), not much were looked into the making of Islamic history.
The appreciated work reflects the serious research done by the authors but discrepancy on Islamic historical accounts slightly missed the "edge".
Book Description
A compelling subject, war is common to almost all known societies and almost all periods of history. The Cambridge History of Warfare is a comprehensive account of war in the West. The combined effort of seven leading experts, this book treats the history of all aspects of the subject: the development of warfare on land, seas, and air; weapons and technology; strategy and defense; discipline and intelligence; mercenaries and standing armies; cavalry and infantry; chivalry and blitzkreig; guerrilla assault and nuclear warfare. It places in context particular key elements in the history of armed engagement, from the Greek victory at Marathon, through the advent of gunpower in medieval England and France, to the jungle warfare of Vietnam and the strategic air strikes of the Gulf War. Throughout, there is an emphasis on the socio-economic aspects of military progress and how these help explain the rise of the West over the past two millenia to global military dominance.
Customer Reviews:
A good editor makes all the difference.......2006-02-23
When I first picked up this book, I was a bit leary. I'm a history buff with an appreciation for academia, but decidedly not an academic. Thus, I don't want to read too much analysis as to the whats, wheres, whys, whens and ways things were done -- just give me the scoop and understand that I do want some detail.
It appears that the editor of this book, Geoffrey Parker, gets it. "The Cambridge History of Warfare" could have been too academic: Its writers are all PhDs whose writings are probably not the most accessible to the layperson. But the end result -- a readable and engaging recounting of the evolution of western warfare -- couldn't have been an accident. The tone and voice of the book is extremely consistent and engaging, and does not feature paragraph-long sentences or tongue-twisting jargon.
My only qualification to my positive feelings for this book is that the end chapters (regarding the world wars and the Cold War) seem to move away from the book's overall goal of charting the evolution of the West's style of warfare, becoming more of a blow-by-blow account of the battles that take place. Not to say that the point is abandoned -- it's not -- but it's less clear.
If you're interested in military history, this is a great book to check out.
Book Description
This book looks at the conduct of war in the crusaders' kingdom from the end of the Third Crusade to the final demise of the Latin Kingdom in 1291. Among the many fascinating subjects covered by Christopher Marshall are the military impact of the crusades, the make-up of the Christian and Muslim armies, the structure and organization of castles and other strongpoints such as fortified towns, battles, raiding expeditions, and sieges. During this period the Christians struggled to defend their kingdom as the threat from their Muslim neighbors grew ever stronger. He concludes that the Christians simply did not have the manpower to defend their strongpoints and thus, without adequate support from the west, finally lost their kingdom in 1291. This book provides a fitting companion to the classic study Crusading Warfare, 1097-1193 by R.C. Smail. Like its distinguished predecessor, this new work will appeal to a wide range of medievalists and to all those interested in the crusades and in medieval warfare in general.
Customer Reviews:
Warfare in The latin East, and????.......2001-03-24
Warfare in The Latin East is a fine enough book. It tries to analyse the character of the warfare in the last half of the crusades, and succeeds well enough. However, much as I like it, it does not deal with such matters as the development of strategy and tactics, the tactics for specific battles nor with the underlying nature of warfare. What I miss is the sort of analysis found in "War in The Middle Ages" by Sir Charles Oman, I just guess that sort of books does not get written any longer. I would also like some more detailed maps, both of castles, campaigns and the area in general. I still rate the book as worthy of four stars despite my misgivings for I like it as an elaboration of the basic analysis of war in general. An example from a somewhat atypical theater of operations and a comparison between the "Norman" and "Saracen" way of waging war. Which is also why I miss the more detailed information on tactics and strategy. I also believe that the book could benefit from use of archeological sources if such exist. As a last remark I must state that it is three years since I last read it so I may remember it a bit differently from what it is, is has made an impression on me though, in order for me to remember it.
Palle rasmussen Ba.A. History, writing Master's dissertation on Danish state formation in the Iron Age/Early Middle Age. Denmark.
Average customer rating:
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The Military Organisation of a Renaissance State: Venice c. 1400 to 1617 (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern History)
M. E. Mallett , and
J. R. Hale
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0521032474 |
Book Description
This book describes the role and organization of the land forces of a renaissance state over a long period. It thus provides a model against which the military development of other countries can be measured in terms of the composition, control and cost of armies. Above all, it redresses the imbalance whereby only the naval forces of Venice have been studied seriously. It is thus an essential contribution to an understanding of the extension and maintenance of an empire by land and sea, and of the strength in troops and fortifications that preserved Venice as the one truly independent state in sixteenth-century Italy. It also adds significantly to an understanding of the relationship between Venice and the republic’s subject territories.
Book Description
This book constructs a new scientific explanation of the causes of war. The author describes systematically those factors common to wars between equal states to see if there is a pattern that suggests why war occurs and delineates the typical path by which relatively equal states have become embroiled in wars with one another in the modern global system. The book differs from others in that it employs the large number of empirical findings generated in the past twenty-five years to solve the puzzle of war and peace.
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