History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

1453: THE HOLY WAR FOR CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE CLASH OF ISLAM AND THE WEST

Average customer rating:

Great Read
Pushed my buttons.
Informative
1453........then and now
great read for the casual reader

1453: THE HOLY WAR FOR CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE CLASH OF ISLAM AND THE WEST
Roger Crowley
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401301916
Release Date: 2005-08-10

Book Description

A complete and compelling account of the fall of Constantinople, the siege that gave rise to today's jihad.

When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, a remarkable era in world history ended. Constantinople, the "city of the world's desire," was a wealthy, imperial, intimidating, and Christian city, influencing world opinion for a thousand years. The fall of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantium Empire and the end of the medieval era. Thereafter, two worlds would rise -- that of the West and that of the Middle East.

1453 is brought to life by the stories of its two ambitious battling leaders-Mehmed II, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and Constantine XI, the 57th emperor of Byzantium. It is a vivid, intense tale of courage and cruelty, of technological ingenuity, of endurance and luck. Impeccably researched and told as a real-life adventure, the book explores the issues that led up to and resulted from the fall of Constantinople in a way that is easily grasped and jumps from the pages into the headlines of world news. 1453 is the story of a moment of change that has new relevance today -- a crucial link in the chain of events that besets the modern world.

Customer Reviews:

Great Read.......2007-09-22

Just an excellent book. The author writing style really helps you imagine in your minds eye the scenes he's describing.

Pushed my buttons........2007-08-22

I'll give this book 3 stars out of charity, and because it may succeed as a work of popular history; indeed, most readers will be satisfied with it.

I can't write an exhaustive review, because I quit reading at p.32,when Crowley says that "the Ottomans ruled their subjects with a light hand. . . . No attempts were made to convert Christians . . ." etc. Ask anyone who's lived under Ottoman rule,if you can still find one of these venerable folk, or talk to their descendants. You'll get a different picture of the situation. Crowley himself describes some of the horrors of the siege, inflicted by these "tolerant" Muslims.

It is true that some Ottoman officials developed a liberal laissez-faire attitude toward the Christians--either out of Levantine indolence or practical intelligence: why harass honest and industrious people? Plus, they pay taxes through the nose. And even Sultan Mehmed II was lenient towards the Christians once he had established his rule. Still, the many horrors remain.

If I'd been at home while reading this book, I would have thrown it across the room. As it was, I was in the car and merely commented on the nonsense to my companions.

Gentle reader, if you really want to learn about the Fall of Constaninople, read Runciman, or Sir Edwin Pears, if you can find his book. Also, the translations of the chronicles of the time.

Informative.......2007-08-13

A more technical treatment of the subject than Sir Steven Runciman's The Fall of Constantinople 1453 (Canto), but I have to admit that I prefer the style of Sir Runciman. What Sir Runciman neglected in detail, Mr. Crowley has provided. But, at the same time, there were points where Mr. Crowley seemed overly concerned with parallels to today (implied somewhat in the subtitle). Despite that minor criticism it is likely the very thing other readers will enjoy about the book. Mr. Crowley also recently did a fine article in Military History magazine concerning the fall of Constantinople and I would recommend that as well for thorough technical detail. This is a thorough and enjoyable work and an important contribution to understanding the last days of Constaniople.

1453........then and now.......2007-07-31

The name Constantinople has always conjured up vague images for me - mystery, grandeur, historical wonder. However, 1453 has expanded my understanding of the city as well as the role it played in world history. Crowley covers the siege and attack of Constantinople by the Turks in 1543. The invasion has truly changed the geopolitical landscape of Europe and Asia since that time. This was truly a Holy War - a fight both between Islam and Christianity, as well as a fight within factions of Christianity. It also highlights the great differences between the understandings of the human condition between these world religions. Neither is innocent and neither is patently evil, but they are very different. Crowley speaks about these differences and the background issues in light of the battle, placing them all in an easily accessible light.

After reading 1453, I find myself realizing that the battles of 1453 have similarities to the battles of the 21st century. The cultural battles are still very similar. The geopolitical issues are still in flux. This view helped make the book even more meaningful today.

great read for the casual reader.......2007-05-15

this book really does a good job of telling the story and focusing both upon the personalities involved and the way that life was for the people in constantinople at the time. it has the right level of depth for someone who's interested in history but is not a specialist.

Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics

Average customer rating:

A truly thorough work on siege warfare
Beautifully illustrated but...
A Beautiful Book

Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics
Konstantin Nossov
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Medieval Siege Weapons (2): "Byzantium, the Islamic World & India AD 476-1526" (New Vanguard)
Warfare in the Ancient World

ASIN: 1592287107

Customer Reviews:

A truly thorough work on siege warfare.......2007-06-29

I really love this book. It is very detailed, and you get the impression Nossov knows everything there is to know about the subject of ancient and medieval siege warfare. He is also very clear about his sources, and doesn't throw in his own theories without telling you explicitly. It is a scientific work written by a scientist. If you, like me, enjoy the tales of great medieval wars, this book is excellent background matrial.

Beautifully illustrated but..........2007-05-15

When a friend told me about this book and it's beautiful illustrations, I was so excited I practically rushed out to buy it. It was unfortunately, not available at the local bookstore at the time so I ordered it on Amazon.

It is certainly a very well written book and the many illustrations help a great deal in explaining and demystifying many of the more complicated details of siege mechanisms. However, as seems to be fairly common in scholarly works on catapults and siege weaponry is the total absence of anything beyond the limited boundaries of the Greco-roman, medieval European and middle-eastern world. There is only passing mention of the early eastern levered catapults, and none at all of catapults from the other world civilisations which employed and developed catapults, or that there exists records in other cultures of catapults that pre-date the 399 B.C. catapults of Syracuse.

This book, while richly illustrated and extremely well researched, is only narrowly focused on one aspect of the development of siege warfare, somewhat not in agreement with the comprehensive nature suggestive nature of the book title.

A Beautiful Book.......2006-01-16

Sub-Title: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics ==This is a beautifully illustrated book on the seige weapons used by most of the major armies from Ancient Egypt through the mid 1400's. It is surprisingly detailed. It is based, in the early days at least, on drawings carved into rock. These have been re-sketched so that the points he is trying to make. In the more recent times, printed materias were used and these make pictures that are (somewhat) more clear. Finally an artist Vladimir Golubev (I presume) made a series of absolutely beautiful color drawings to illustrate various siege engines.

The written part was done by Dr. Nossov and originally published in Russian. It is clearly a work of schlorship that may become the standard by which others are compared in future years. Certainly I have never seen a more complete or better written description of these engines.

The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople

Average customer rating:

Incredible History
Good Popular History of the Sack of Constantinople
For Readers interested in the Crusades & Medieval Times
Good pace, excellent clarity
Friendly fire.... Crusade style!

The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople
Jonathan Phillips
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0670033502
Release Date: 2004-10-21

Book Description

In 1202, zealous western Christians gathered in Venice determined to liberate Jerusalem from the grip of Islam. But the crusaders never made it to the Holy Land. Steered forward by the shrewd Venetian doge, they descended instead on Constantinople, wreaking devastation so terrible and inflicting scars so deep that as recently as 2001 Pope John Paul II offered an apology to the Greek Orthodox Church.

The crusaders spared no one: They raped and massacred thousands, plundered churches, and torched the lavish city. A prostitute danced on the altar of the ravaged Hagia Sophia. And by 1204, barbarism masquerading as piety had shattered one of the great civilizations of history. Here, on the eight hundredth anniversary of the sack, is the extraordinary story of this epic catastrophe, told for the first time outside of academia by Jonathan Phillips, a leading expert on the crusades.

Knights and commoners, monastic chroniclers, courtly troubadours, survivors of the carnage, and even Pope Innocent III left vivid accounts detailing the events of those two fateful years. Using their remarkable letters, chronicles, and speeches, Phillips traces the way in which any region steeped in religious fanaticism, in this case Christian Europe, might succumb to holy war.

Customer Reviews:

Incredible History.......2007-09-21

This is one of the best books I have ever read on Byzantine history. Most writers on Byzantine history are academics with a somewhat dry style. Jonathan Phillips writes in a way that makes the events of 800 years ago extremely accessible. He is the first writer to really convey to me what Constantinople was like prior to the Crusader sacking, and the enormity of the destruction that occured. And given that anyone who reads this already knows of the events, Mr. Phillips did give them some dramatic tension. The story of what happened confirms to me that there is much in Byzantine history that should provide lessons for today.

Good Popular History of the Sack of Constantinople.......2007-09-02

This book is an extremely well-written narrative that describes the sequence of events that initiated the fourth crusade and eventually lead up to the sacking of Constantinople. Some readers have pointed out that the author's position - that the attack on Constantinople was more a bumbling movement of a disorderly gang rather than a planned military expedition - is a thesis from a much earlier book, the 1978 Queller and Madden text, The Fourth Crusade: The Conquest of Constantinople. That may very well be true. Nevertheless, there can be little doubt that Phillip's work here is compellingly written, with an exceptionally strong narrative and an engaging style that brings the subject to life for the average reader, and will reintroduce the subject to a new generation of readers who wish to learn about this period of history.

Phillip's book is immensely interesting to read, and the non-historian can easily follow and become engaged in the story. But the book also evokes sickeningly negative emotions as we watch the story unfold. As we read of Constantinople's sack, we can hardly bear the thought of the loss sustained by the city and its people. And it's not limited to the injury and death sustained by those who were there. It's the loss of untold centuries of art and craftsmanship destroyed and forever lost to history for want of a few melted pellets of gold and silver. If there is anything like "group hysteria," perhaps this is a best-case study in it, because to see so many pillage, plunder, and destroy what will never be replaced (the immense art collection in the city that spanned at least 500 years) is surely some form of sickness. We feel the revulsion rise up in us as we read Phillip's retelling of the story, and wonder what the true extent of the loss is.

There are a number of books out these days on the crusades, and perhaps it is a worthwhile undertaking for us to be reminded of what went on in this period of history. Selecting any one of them might be a bit more difficult. If you are looking for a popular history written to a general audience but that doesn't skimp on facts or "dumb down" the narrative, Phillip's book is a very good choice. It would help if the reader knew a little about the crusades before starting this book, but it really isn't fully necessary to enjoy the volume. Read it to learn about the fourth crusade, but be ready for some of the awful lessons the story has to teach us.

For Readers interested in the Crusades & Medieval Times.......2006-09-17

At first it wasn't what I had hoped for. I would have preferred more/better graphics. If you're somewhat knowledgeable about the Crusades you might like it but it's not for a first time read. Check around.

Good pace, excellent clarity.......2006-09-06

Religion, politics, murder, betrayal, intrigue, and war... in the early 13th century! Phillips keeps what was a rather complicated and messy affair well-organized with his writing, and follows the Crusaders on what was supposed to be a trip from all points in Europe to Jerusalem. It wound up in Constantinople, where Catholic Christians, who were supposed to be fighting the Muslims in the Holy Land were detoured by political expediency to attack fellow Catholics at Zara and fellow Christians in Constantinople. This book has something of a hidden message in that it shows how religious fanaticism mixed with politics can have disastrous results. It reads equally well as a history or a bit of an allegory to any other sort of political-religious axis in recent history.

Friendly fire.... Crusade style!.......2006-01-24

The Crusades between the Christians and Muslims wrecked havoc on the populations of the Middle East; this fact is undoubted. But what is often missed, but is just as important, is the effect it had on the various European and Muslim countries at that time which contributed to it either in providing men or supplies, or whose lands lay along the path of armies. This book fills in some of this neglected history by examining the history of the 4th Crusade.

Starting again in France, and then progressing thru Venice to pick up ships, the Christian army stopped at Constantinople to resupply and pick up more men. Unfortunately, various circumstances came together to keep the Crusaders here longer than they, or the locals wanted. Hostilities soon broke out. The leaders of the Crusades, to pay of their various debts, attacked and raided Constantinople instead. The locals were massacred, and the event made permanent the split between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church that remains to the 21st century.

The book itself delves into the people involved in this event, both Crusaders, and the Constantines. The book examines their relationships to each other, their social standings and aspirations, their failures, and they came to play a part in this tragedy. The book goes into great detail to show how greed, arrogance, and plain stupidity both within and without the walls of Constantinople lead to its sacking. Overall, the book is a great read with drama and adventure, and recreates the life that was the Middle Ages.

Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth Century (Oxford Historical Monographs)

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Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth Century (Oxford Historical Monographs)
R. Rogers
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198206895

Book Description

This is a carefully researched and illuminating study of siege warfare in the twelfth century. The siege was an integral part of medieval military experience, and was particularly significant in the Mediterranean region. Dr Rogers explores siege warfare and the role it played in the First Crusade and the establishment of the Crusader States, in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, and in the seaborne expeditions of the Italian maritime states. Dr Rogers sets out to discover how it was that crusading forces handicapped by rudimentary organisation and logistical support were able to conduct some of the most dramatic siege operations of the pre-gunpowder period. He traces the development and diffusion of techniques; and analyses the experience of siege warfare in every aspect, from the question of supplies of component parts for siege engines to the often complex political situations of besieger and besieged. This is a book which contributes not only to the military history of the twelfth century but also to its political and cultural history. `excellent work, written by a scholar who has a thorough grasp of the subject and who presents it in a lucid manner.' Speculum `an excellent work ... a fine study, full of intriguing ideas for readers interested in crusading, municipalities, and the role of warfare.' The Historian `Rogers's book is an excellent look at the medieval world's most bellicose century.' American Historical Review

A Death in the Venetian Quarter: A Medieval Mystery (Medieval Mysteries (St. Martins Hardcover))

Average customer rating:

Gordon is a genius!!!...
I Must Disagree With The #1 Reviewer
entertaining medieval mystery

A Death in the Venetian Quarter: A Medieval Mystery (Medieval Mysteries (St. Martins Hardcover))
Alan Gordon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312242670

Book Description

In 1203, the relative peace of the Byzantine Empire is imperiled when the ships of the Fourth Crusade show up outside the walls of Constantinople.Instead of traveling to the Holy Land to battle the infidels, the Crusade, having sailed out of Venice, has been subverted and is now besieging the city.The jester known as Feste, his wife Viola, and their compatriots within the city are faced with catastrophe as the peace the Fool's Guild has worked so hard to maintain is about to be shattered. With such a disaster looming, the death of one silk merchant in the Venetian Quarter of Constantinople seems insignificant.But Philoxenites, the Imperial Treasurer and one of the most power schemers at court, has taken a special interest in the case and wants Feste to investigate Venetian merchant's death. The merchant, of course, was not what he appeared to be and, if Constantinople is to have any hope of surviving the troops outside its gates, Feste must quickly uncover what forces were at work when the merchant lost his life.

Customer Reviews:

Gordon is a genius!!!..........2003-01-23

I have read the entire series so far; and in my opinion, it seems to get better with each book. That being said I just finishing "A Death in the Venetian Quarter" this morning, disappointed only because I finished it. It was an HUGE effort not to start re-reading it immediately.

This is one of the most entertaining series of novels that I have ever read. All of the characters are fascinating. Every one shines in his or her own inimitable fashion. Honesty, I have never encountered a character like Theophilos in literature before. He is a breath of fresh air, much in same way that Vladmir Taltos (different genre) is to fantasy novels

(Personally, I wonder if he is really another famous character of the Bard. Hints have been dropped throughout the series to verify this.)

Theo is brillant, daring, ruthless and very funny. His wife, Claudia, is equally so. They complement each other well. In fact, the relationship between Theo and Claudia is one of the most charming and endearing things about the series. Their humorous banter and devotion to one another always brings a smile to my face

Overall, I cannot recommend this series enough. I can't wait for the fourth book!!

Just buy the whole series and read it.

I Must Disagree With The #1 Reviewer.......2002-11-15

(Sorry, Harriet. By the way, how can you read and review so many books?)

Sedately paced, with somewhat two-dimensional characters and mildly amusing dialog is how I would describe it. I find myself reading one or two chapters and then putting the book down. There is no great suspense to the mystery--indeed it seems to be shuffled aside about halfway through the story--but for some reason I keep plowing on. Perhaps it is the setting and the little educational nuggets. For example, I had to go to the dictionary to look up "logothete." (A great word that I will never have any use for, but, hey, I feel smarter already.) This is the perfect book for someone seeking clean-cut, casually highbrow, light reading that isn't going to eat up all your time. (Of course, the latter is what we're really looking for, eh?)

entertaining medieval mystery.......2002-03-03

In 1203, the two hundred plus Fourth Crusade ships anchor just off the walls of Constantinople causing panic and concern among the residents. The Imperial Treasurer Philoxenites not only worries about the horde of soldiers besieging his city, but the impact of a particular murder on that army. Someone killed Camilio Bastini, a silk merchant, in a locked room in the Venetian Quarter. Philoxenites assigns Theophilos "Feste the Jester" to uncover the truth about this homicide that could inflame the soldiers besetting the city into beginning the assault.

Feste, accompanied by his pregnant wife Aglaia, Rico the dwarf, and Plossus of the troupe of fools, quickly learns that the deceased is more than just a merchant. Soon the troupe of sleuths begins to uncover spies in every corner of the city representing numerous warring factions. The quartet concludes that even if they solve the case of the locked room, they might not survive the intrigue swirling in and out of Constantinople.

DEATH IN THE VENETIAN QUARTER is a humorous, often lewd tale filled with sharp puns and retorts, and a detailed description of the siege. Though historical mystery purists might cringe, Alan Gordon fills the story line with purposely placed anachronisms that enliven the narrative. The characters (real and fiction) are fun to observe; the locked door who-done-it is cleverly devised; and a mini note further explains the genuine events of the Fourth Crusade. The unconcerned about accuracy historical mystery reader will delight in this well written tale.

Book Description

When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.

Customer Reviews:

Medieval Siege Weapons.......2007-02-24

Overall a good book.
I had hoped it would be more of an instruction guide to build your own.
It still does cover the basics, with resonable diagrams

Fenomenales armas Bizantinas.......2005-07-13

Excelente información sobre las armas bizantinas, islámicas e indias, aunque desde mi punto de vista, faltaron algunas armas bizantinas y más información en dibujos.

Medieval Siege Weapons (1): Western Europe AD 585-1385 (New Vanguard)

Average customer rating:

Medieval Siege Weapons
History Lesson
Buena informacion

Medieval Siege Weapons (1): Western Europe AD 585-1385 (New Vanguard)
David Nicolle
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
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Medieval Siege Weapons (2): "Byzantium, the Islamic World & India AD 476-1526" (New Vanguard)
Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics
The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery
Greek and Roman Siege Machinery 399 BC-AD 363 (New Vanguard)
Greek and Roman Artillery 399 BC-AD 363 (New Vanguard)

ASIN: 1841762350
Release Date: 2002-09-18

Book Description

The Medieval era was a period of huge variety and invention in siege warfare. Before the use of cannon and other gun-powder artillery, siege engines relied on assorted sources of power, from torsion 'energy storage' systems to man-power, counter-balances and others. This book reveals how technological traditions from the Graeco-Roman world, Persia, India and above all China made a massive contribution to siege warfare techniques. It also covers developments in military engineering, such as mining, counter-mining, the breaking of walls, the use of noxious and chemical fumes and the use of fire-weapons.

Customer Reviews:

Medieval Siege Weapons.......2007-02-24

overall a good book.
good diagrams, but laking "how to" instructions if you wish to build your own.

History Lesson.......2006-08-15

I purchased this book in hopes that it would have a lot of information on Siege weapons and how they were used. The first thing I realized is that this book has a great deal of writing for such a small book and it gives detailed descriptions on the history and background of several Siege Weapons. There are some really nice illustrations in the book as well, however I was hoping for a bit more. I would have liked to have seen more information on how these weapons were constructed and some heads up comparisons of the various Siege weapons. It's certainly a nice historical reference for the Siege enthusiast.

Buena informacion.......2005-07-13

Buena informacion relacionada con las armas de asedio de la Edad Media. Sin embargo faltó un poco más sobre trebuchet y tipos de trebuchets.

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to medieval siege warfare techniques
Nice Art

Medieval Siege Warfare (Elite)
Christopher Gravett
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Medieval Siege Weapons (1): Western Europe AD 585-1385 (New Vanguard)
Medieval Siege Weapons (2): "Byzantium, the Islamic World & India AD 476-1526" (New Vanguard)
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Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics
Siege Weapons of the Far East (2): AD 960-1644 (New Vanguard)

ASIN: 0850459478
Release Date: 1990-05-24

Book Description

During the Middle Ages siege warfare played a vital role in military strategy. Sieges were far more numerous than pitched battles, ranging from small-scale affairs against palisaded earthworks to full-scale assaults on vast strongholds. Needless to say, the art of siege warfare assumed a unique importance to both invader and defender alike. In this title Christopher Gravett explores the different aspects of medieval siege warfare, from chivalrous formalities to 'surprise and treachery', in a text backed by numerous illustrations including 12 full page colour plates by Richard and Christa Hook.

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to medieval siege warfare techniques.......2001-09-18

I bought this book since I am interested in medieval history, rather than a specific interest in medieval warfare. The book is quite short, but it is well illustrated both with drawings and color pictures which also include works done circa the period in question. The short book is very informative both from a general historical and military perspective. The book describes medieval castles and fortresses and how their design is based on military defensive needs. The book then discusses sieges as well as various machines created to overcome castle defences. Various artillery including canons and catapults are also covered. The book is well done, and though it is short, it wets the appetite for further reading.

Nice Art.......2000-05-27

Good book if you want to learn about siege warfare. Lots of nice pictures and illustrations. Very interesting and easy to read.

Average customer rating:

So many errors, avoid like the Black Death
covers the basics but not worth the price
Siege : Castles at War

Siege: Castles at War
Daniel Diehl
Manufacturer: Taylor Trade Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0878332138

Amazon.com

This slim, colorful book (containing 150 photos and diagrams) offers a good overview of medieval siege warfare. The authors use a fictional battle between the English and French to drive their narrative, but also provide plenty of historical information on how castles were attacked and how they defended themselves. In addition to surveying the weapons, armor, and tactics used, Donnelly and Diehl include interesting social trivia: Medieval armies that went off to war, for example, usually had a cadre of prostitutes in tow. Readers who hunger for detail will want to go looking elsewhere, but those who want simply a taste of how castles went to war may find their appetite satisfied here. --John J. Miller

Book Description

This lively, informative book--the companion to the Discovery Channel's documentary of the same name--examines in detail how castles shaped medieval warfare and society.

Customer Reviews:

So many errors, avoid like the Black Death.......2004-05-25

This book is filled from cover to cover with errors of fact that it should be avoided by everyone looking for a history of medieval fortifications, especially as there are so many very good ones that are out there! Avoid like the Black Death!

covers the basics but not worth the price.......2000-08-05

Although this book covers many of the unusual aspects of siege warfare, it only manages to scrape the surface of them. The illustrations in the book were either useless photos or very well done drafting images. All in all, this book is great for an overview with a view intresting pictures but fails to be worth its price.

Siege : Castles at War.......2000-07-10

"Siege : Castles at War" is a very good read for those interested in castles. The book is essentially an adaption of two medieval scholars' NOVA television special that aired on public television (PBS)recently (1999). The authors of this book, both university professors of medieval studies, really know what they're talking about and this book is ready proof that they've spent a life researching medieval culture and warfare. I checked this book out from my local public library and have now hinted to my girlfriend that I'd like a copy for my birthday! The text is well-written, easy-to-read, factual as well as interesting, and, best of all, embellished with wonderful period illustrations. I enjoyed this book as did the sixth-grade child who I have tutoring in history. While my young tutoree enjoyed the book, the text is most definitely written for adult readers. I highly advise this book to those who want to learn more about castles and medieval warfare.

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