Average customer rating:
- Excellent history of ancient warfare tactics and equipment.
- Ancient Warfare Explained
- Loads of Useful Information
- One of the best I've seen!
- disappointing
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Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World (3000 B.C. to 500 A.D.): Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics
Simon Anglim ,
Rob S. Rice ,
Phyllis Jestice ,
Scott Rusch , and
John Serrati
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Warfare in the Classical World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Weapons, Warriors and Warfare in the Ancient Civilisations of Greece and Rome
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Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World: Equipment, Combat Skills and Tactics
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The Complete Roman Army
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Fighting Techniques of the Early Modern World: Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics
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Warfare in the Ancient World
ASIN: 0312309325 |
Book Description
This essential guide to ancient warfare describes the fight-ing methods of soldiers in Europe and the Middle East in an age before gunpowder. From a detailed examination of the individual components of an ancient army and their equip-ment, to a fascinating exploration of ancient battle strategies, siege warfare, and naval battles, the book explores the unique tactics required to win battles with the technology available. Featuring specially commissioned color and black-and-white artwork and twenty-four full-color tactical maps, this book shows in great detail the methods by which armies, including Assyrians and Roman forces, prevailed over their foes, and why other armies were less successful. This is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient warfare.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent history of ancient warfare tactics and equipment........2007-09-29
This book is very well put together. It has a lot if information that I think is accurate. The information is put together in a logical manner and the illustrations are very helpful and actually do their job. This is a history book, so if that is what you're looking for I would highly recommend it.
Ancient Warfare Explained.......2007-03-28
Laconic, lucid descriptions enhanced by excellent, relevant illustrations, diagrams and battle maps. The style is reminiscent of modern military training manuals - always brief and to the point. The reasons for success or failure are examined dispassionately and changes in the balance of power over time are effectively explained. A vast amount of well researched information presented in a book that is a pleasure to read.
Loads of Useful Information.......2007-02-16
This book served my purposes well in the writing of "Maccabee." Significant detail is given, citing ancient sources such as Livy and Plutarch, in relating what occurred in historic battles and the weaponry that was used. Minute details are given, such as the way a pilum was built so the iron shaft would bend once thrust into an enemy shield so it could not be extracted, thus rendering the shield useless. This book demonstrates that though the weaponry was nothing so sophisticated as the weapons of today, much thought went into how best to wage war. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient warfare.
One of the best I've seen!.......2007-02-14
This is perhaps the second or third best book based on ancient warfare I have ever seen (behind Adrian Goldsworthy's "The Complete Roman Army"). Great details and pictures, you will be lucky to get your hands on this one. Intriguing all the way through, and great for reference.
disappointing.......2006-07-08
totally superficial review based on the hardcover edition. big, large cover, looks like a textbook not a critical history, i have no interest in going to the library and spreading this textbook out on a large table and digging in. textbook presentation of the volume does not appeal to the way i like to use most books. material looked interesting, but also presented in a topic by topic textbook fashion. i sent it back
Book Description
Resource book on WWII Marine Corps combat uniforms and equipment.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-03-16
Alec Tulkoff has penned an extradanory book. His research is impeccable and backed up by DOCUMENTED facts, unlike any other USMC book before or after. Alec disputes and dispells many of the collector myths that others have based their books upon. If you are looking for an acurate USMC book on WW2 uniforms and equipment this is the currently the olny book you will need, if you want a book with good pictures and wrong or questionable info pick up the others.
Grunt is Great!.......2004-08-24
I missed Jim Morans WWII USMC Militaria book when it came out 10 years ago. I was just a kid and would have rather spent the money on an item than a book. When I became savy to the fact that having a grand reference library is the corner stone to any collection it was too late to buy the Moran book(Jim, please reprint that book!).
But years later when I desperatly needed a USMC book, I was hightly motivated to buying it fresh off the press.
First what I wished the book had: Dress uniforms. I'm still out a good book on dress uniforms. Not just USMC but Army, Navy and Army Air Corp. This subject one of my favorites but is constantly being left out of Militaria books.
Now What I like about the book: Eveything! I have never read a more detailed book on the subject. Not only did Alec photograph just about every USMC GRunt items WWII items but he included the contracts that the USMC used in WWII. As stated above, it's more than just photographs and word of mouth "facts" but a highly detailed and researched book.
Also included are Rifle and Machine gun information, and the knife and bayonets section has already netted some great finds.
I also love the "collector" notes at the end of each section, that puts the previous facts into relevent information for todays collector. Information on fake items is highly welcomed.
If you don't have a USMC book, this one is it. This book will reward you for a lifetime. Thanks Alec!
Very Well Done.......2004-02-09
I am quite pleased with this book. The author has done his homework and, unlike far too many collector books, has not relied on second hand "collectors facts". As always being a Bender book it is well laid out and printed. I am pleased they decided to move to a larger format at last.
All in all this is now THE book on USMC equipment in WW2. It will be very hard to surpass.
Well Researched.......2003-11-22
Mr. Tulkoff definitely took extraordinary measures researching this book and it seems well documented. The writing style is matter-of-fact. Not necessarily a good relaxing bedtime read, but well written. Anyone desiring a very complete and detailed history of Marine Corps equipment of WWII should look here first.
Book Description
Featuring the key developments in military technology, from the discoveries of bronze and iron, to the introduction of gunpowder and the creation of weapons of mass destruction, Battleprovides a dramatic overview of the conduct of warfare through time.
Customer Reviews:
Battle throughout the ages.......2007-07-17
Nice complilation of historical battles with maps etc... A basic synopsis of famous/importanat battles throughoout history. A recommended book for those with an interest in historic warfare.
Battle: A Visual Journey Through 5,000 Years of Combat.......2007-07-16
Battle is the most complete military history reference book on the market. This amazing text contains short essays about famous/ infamous military leaders, summaries about particular battles throughout mankind's history (each complete with a map, approximate date of the battle, who participated in the battle, a short description of the whys of the incident, and in some cases an estimate of the number of casualties), and includes features that examine changes/ differences in military strategy and technology between various cultures and time periods from the ancient world to the current situation in Iraq. There are also some impressive illustrations showing military artifacts and details of some of the most interesting aspects of military technology.
Whether you are looking for a good military reference book for your kids, wanting to learn a little more about a particular battle, or are interested in the progression of war techniques throughout time, Battle is definitely your best bet. This is one of those books that gets read and used so many times that it pays for itself over and over again.
Brilliant!.......2007-01-17
This is an excellent source of military history information. Scholars may not think it complete, but to the novice or anyone interested in military history this is a great reference, learner and interesting read. There are thousands of battles included, each in a concise format familiar to the readers of DK books. Easy reading, without too many superfluous details - just the highlights and parts the average person needs to know. Highly recommended.
Good, If Sketchy, Overview of World Military History.......2006-07-15
This is another handsome book from DK.
The visuals are a combination of maps, timelines, weapons, uniforms, and portraits of military leaders. The text is mostly sketches of significant battles. Battles is a term loosely used in this book. Some of the sketches are actually of campaigns or entire wars. The organization is broadly chronological, with brief material on how warfare changed from era to another, and the battles grouped together by geographical areas. A latter section also covers some terrorist actions.
Grant starts with the war between the Sumerian city states of Lagash and Umma in about 2450 BC and ends not too far away in space -- the ongoing war in Iraq.
The book has the expected shortcomings. There is a very brief section on what we know about Pre-Columbian warfare in the Americans. There is no mention of sub-Saharan wars not involving Europeans.
There are some surprising typographical errors in dates and map scales but not enough to avoid the book.
Together with George C. Kohn's _Dictionary of Wars_, this book would serve as a good, quick reference on world military history or a memory refresher. Or you can simply use it to whet your appetite for more reading on subjects generally not taught in Western schools like the wars on the Indian sub-continent or between Korea and Japan.
Excellent Survey and Gateway.......2006-01-28
"Battle" can be described as a coffee table type book (although you may want to place it elsewhere when considering the subject matter) that is best suited for browsing. It surveys warfare throughout history and is quite sweeping and ambitious in scope. Generally, "Battle" is divided into eras/geographical areas and provides a briefing on the major powers and empires (and the rise and falls), strategic situations, weapons, tactics, and battles. The material is put together very well and contains many informative and striking pictures. In addition, it illuminates many periods and empires in areas such as India and China that are obscure to Westerners. Although probably not intended by the author, the reader is likely to grasp that any empire is fleeting when viewed in the context of history. Where "Battle" is lacking is in the descriptions of the individual battles. Generally that information is very brief and vague and those wanting details should look at other, more specific books. This is not surprising considering the immense scope. However, "Battle" is excellent for what it is and provides a gateway into the study of the many eras and participants of military history.
Book Description
To collectors of modern military uniforms, Vietnam era tigerstripe combat fatigues have always been a much sought after commodity. The pattern itself, in all of its classic forms, is both exotic and unique and carries with it an immediate, esthetic sense of the full drama of that not to distant Southeast Asian conflict. There exists however, surrounding this one camouflage pattern numerous misconceptions. Tiger Patterns analyzes to the most minute degree, the finite variances which defined the many original, Vietnam era tigerstripe patterns and uniform cuts and establishes dependable identification techniques and practices, whether your particular interests area as a historian, veteran, modeler, or collector and enthusiast., over 280 color and b/w photographs, line drawings, 8 1/2" x 11"
Customer Reviews:
Perfect Guide Book!.......2007-01-22
Tiger stripe Fan's Collectible Books.
Very interesting book.
Thank you.
So many details.......2005-09-10
When I purchased this book, I didn't expect to see all the diagrams and charts that it included. The author not only has photos and descriptions of the numerous tiger patterns, but he studied the different buttons and zippers as well! He has hand drawn pictures of patterns and cuts, and there are even a few personal photos of his family wearing tigers from his personal collection.
I highly recommend this book for collectors and people who want to know more about Vietnam tigerstripes.
Excellent book on tiger strips with some glaring oversights.......2002-06-12
Sgt Johnson's book on the tiger stripe camouflague pattern and its variants is an excellent book. Indeed, it is the authoritative reference on the subject for some time. The authour's methodical sysmatization and meticulious research have certainly provided militaria collectors with highly rigourous technical standards.
Although this book is primarly for collectors, modelers and reenactors will find this book equally helpful in their research.
Nevertheless, there are a number of glaring oversights that detract from the book's overall value.
First, there's no index. Given the book's meticulous details and bewildering variety of tiger strip patterns, an index isn't merely useful; it's absolutely essential.
Second, there's no bibliography. Its absence is inexplicable; how is the collector, modeler, historian or reenactor supposed to learn more about this pattern and become more discerning without the primary and secondary sources? Especially since the book is primarily for them.
Third, I found the historical background of the tigerstrips rather too perfunctory.I would've appreciated to know how the French Indochinese lézard pattern evolved into the tiger strips
Fourth, spelling mistakes mar this book and it's unjustifiable considering that the book is sold by a professional publisher and its price tag
Finally, the authour makes cryptic referencs to the 1990 edition of the book. Yet when I looked at the inside page for the publication data, the book was published in 1999.
Despite these glaring oversights, which can be corrected in a subsequent reprint, this book is highly recommended
EXCELLENT.......1999-06-19
This is an EXCELLENT book about Vietnam War Tiger dtripe uniforms. THis is a book for experts or for whom wants to be the Tigerstripe uniform expert. If you like to study Vietnam War stuffs. THe last thing you want to miss is this book.
Book Description
In September of 1939, the world was astounded by Germany's ability to defeat Poland in less than a month. With the world still puzzled by the suddenness of this event, Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium, and France fell in rapid succession to the German onslaught, leaving Britain in shock. Greece and Yugoslavia were rapidly over-run during April of 1941, while German-Italian forces advanced rapidly in North Africa. Russia's turn was next, when German forces began pulverizing their forces in June of 1941. How had Germany achieved victory after victory, often against numerically superior enemy forces? The answer came in two words-Panzer and Blitzkrieg. When and how had Germany built its Panzer forces and trained them for the Blitzkrieg? When was each Panzer unit formed? What was their organization? Why were Panzer units disbursed among the Panzer-Divisions. leichte Divisions, and Armee-Korps? When were the various types of Panzers developed? What were their armament, armor protection, capability? How many of each type were produced? What tactics did they use? How successful were they in combat? This is the only book that provides detailed answers to these and other questions related to how German tankers fought in World War II. Tom Jentz found the answers to these questions bu digging through original records for the past tweny-five years. The content os this book is derived solely from these original records consisting of war diaries, reports, and technical and tactical manuals written during the war. The story is told as recorded by those responsible for decisions in developing the Panzertruppen and by those who fought in the Panzers. As work on this book progressed it became apparent that the story of the Panzertruppen was divided into two distinctly separate phases; offensive and defensive. This first volume presents the offensive phase up to October 1942. A second volume is planned that will cover the defensive phase to the end of the war. Tom Jentz is also the author of Germany's Panther Tank: The Quest of Combat Supremacy(available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.). , over 200 b/w photos, 8 1/2" x 11"
Customer Reviews:
Superb reference source!.......2005-10-17
Thomas Jentz's book proves to be a fantastic source of information regarding the German Panzer forces during World War II. This volume covers the period from the early 1930s to 1942. It uses primary German sources that revealed the evolutionary stages of the German panzer formations, their weapons and numbers as the years rolled by. The book also reflects on German perception of how they did, how their tanks performed and needs for changes.
The book reflects the closeness to the source German material. The author expects the reader to have a fine tune knowledge of the German military prior to reading this book. If you have to look up to see the difference between a Panzer 38(t) to Panzer IVd, this book is probably not for you. The unit organization tables are done in the unfamiliar German symbolism instead of your usual NATO symbols so that can be confusing to the novice.
The book seem to be written for people who wants a greater understanding of the German panzer formations and thier gradual metamorphosis. The second volume covers the second half of the war when the German forces were mostly on the defensive mode.
Overall, highly informative reading material, not for the casual reader since this book don't exactly read like a best seller.
Untainted Excellent Info.......2005-06-10
Fantastic books! The detail and information is great. These are not "spec" books of German tanks. The wonderful inclusion of original correspondence between Beck, Fromm, Guderian, etc is fascinating reading. The extensive usage of original German terminology makes for difficult reading (unless you are fluent in German) but is very much appreciated to avoid errors of translation.
Best $50 I've spent.......2004-08-04
This is perhaps the most usefull book on the German panzer forces in World War II, and anyone interested in the subject needs a copy.
In the first portion of the book, Jentz provides a thorough history of the development and employment of panzer formations. This includes initial formation of the first units, the development of prototypes and early equipment, as well as German armored doctrine and tactics.
The remaining portion of the book covers the employment of the Panzer divisions in war from 1939-1942. In this section, Jentz provides a wealth of information. One very usefull feature is that the organization of panzer companies, battalions, and divisions are tracked (along with the translated text of orders changing the organizations) and presented in tables or figures. Given that the Germans frequently changed the organization of these units, this is very valuable information.
Jentz also presents tank strengths and tank types for each division at the start of major operations as part of orders of battle for the panzer divisions. For example, it is thus possible to quickly look up how many Panzer II tanks were available for the invasion of France, and the amount that each division had.
The end of the book has a number of appendices, which provide data on monthly on-hand strength of each tank as well as technical data on for German and a variety of Allied tanks.
I also strongly recommend Jentz's follow-up to this, which is Panzer Truppen volume II, and covers 1943-1945.
Great Book!.......1999-07-07
I agree with the other reviewers. These two books are excellent! If you have any interest in German panzer, tactics and deployment i strongly recommend you to buy them. The 'combat reports' from the officers writing about there experinence during there fight with the enemy, trying to explain the good and bad how to use there tanks is great and gives you a deeper feeling of the problems they had. A must buy!
Essential to any WWII historian.......1999-05-08
Both this volume and volume 2, are excellent sources of primary documentation. Both use war diary, and after-action reports to describe tactics and weapons evolution. As I said in a review of vol.2, by allowing the crews and their platoon-battalion commanders to speak the book has an immediacy that can't be duplicated in other works of the same subject. The author assumes the reader has at least general familiarity with German operations, and knowledge of German WWII military terms and ranks. Probably not for a general interest reader.
Average customer rating:
- Tiger Angriff!
- Magnificient book, look out for the paperback
- Great History of Tiger Units
- Second Half of a Superb Photo History
- Excellent coverage on German units using the Tiger tank
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Tigers in Combat: Vol. 2
Wolfgang Schneider
Manufacturer: J J Fedorowicz Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Tigers in Combat, Vol. 1
ASIN: 0921991398 |
Book Description
Hard cover, 12"x9", 460 pages, 590 photographs, 30 pages of color artwork of camouflage and markings. This volume covers the Tiger units of the Waffen SS as well as "named" units within the Army, such as Grodeutschland, Kompanie Hummel and Kompanie Meyer. Plenty of rare or previously unpublished photos and masses of combat diary information available for the first time. The color artwork by Jean Restyn is extremely accurate.
Customer Reviews:
Tiger Angriff!.......2004-10-31
First and foremost, this is a great book. Large 9"x12" format and printed on 70lb. high gloss acid-free paper. Like all other J.J. Fedorowicz published books, very high quality in the printing and binding. This book is not one about the technical aspects of the Tiger tanks, but rather a photo collection/unit diary of the named Heer units and Waffen-SS units that had Tiger tanks.
The strength of the photo collection is that it mainly originates from German soldiers' private collections and means that most of the photos are previously unpublished. Each chapter is devoted to one unit with a wide array of photograph situations, like combat, repair, transportation, behind the lines, etc. The author gives us an almost day-by-day account or unit diary of the units from when they were activated to when they were either disbanded, changed designations, or the war ended. The unit diaries contain the information of where the units were involved, number of Tiger tanks lost or gained, battle results, or some nice other tid bits of information. In addition each unit has organizational chart(s) showing not only the number of tanks in each platoon, but how the tanks were designated with numbers.
There are 30 pages of artwork done by Jean Restayn which is excellent and depicts the various camouflage schemes used by the units covered in the book. The artwork also highlights some of the special unit ingsignias. On the inside covers there are two maps, one the Western and Eastern Front, that show where the Tiger units were deployed over their operational lifetime. The maps were a nice addition.
Overall this book is a must for Tiger tank enthusiasts. It also provides a wealth of information within the photographs for modelers, reenacters, and the like.
Magnificient book, look out for the paperback.......2004-10-28
One of the best books ever on the Tiger Abteilung from JJ Fedorowicz Publishing, bearing in mind their later lame efforts chronicling the individual Heer ones. Look no further for the definitive work on the elite GD and SS Tiger tanks.
Great History of Tiger Units.......2003-09-23
The book is the second of the Tigers in Comabt series namely the units of the Waffen SS and Specialist Army units that used some Tigers in their inventory. The photographs alone are worth the price of what is an expensive book.
The combat history of these units is covered in some detail by the use of the units war diary which I found fascinating. It showed that the Tiger was not invincible if handled badly but fully supplied and in the hands of a good crew may have been a war winner.
All round a great book full of interseting photos, text and great colour pictures. This book is a must for avid Tiger Tank fans .
Second Half of a Superb Photo History.......2002-01-07
The second volume of "Tigers in Combat" covers the named units of the German Army (Grossduetschland Division, and the various independent Tiger companies), as well as the Tigers assigned to the Waffen SS. Author Wolfgang Schneider has solicited help from veterans and their families to produce an unparalleled work which combines information from wartime unit diaries, delivery records, and strength reports as well as the veterans' personal journals to create a day to day history of every Tiger unit. But the real treat of this book is the illustrations. He uses very few of the official photos which have been published to death over the last six decades. As it happens, German troops were avid shutterbugs despite wartime regulations, and the veterans and their families have shared thousands of personal snapshots which have never been published before. The photos are well-reproduced in large format on glossy paper, and the captions give specific details as to the location, unit and date of every picture. There are also numerous color drawings by famed military artist Jean Restayn. Combine this with Thomas Jentz's excellent technical history of the Tiger and you have an ideal library on the beast.
Excellent coverage on German units using the Tiger tank.......1999-01-26
A continual coverage of remaining German units using the Tiger tanks that is left out from the first book, namely the GD "Grobdeutschland" and the Waffen-SS. Lots of photographs of individual units as well as including a summary of the unit's history. A day by day account of events was also included.
Average customer rating:
- Good artwork
- Pretty good, but don't expect any fighting techniques
- Beautiful and Well Researched
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Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World: Equipment, Combat Skills and Tactics
Matthew Bennett ,
Jim Bradbury ,
Kelly DeVries ,
Iain Dickie , and
Phyllis Jestice
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World (3000 B.C. to 500 A.D.): Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics
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Fighting Techniques of the Early Modern World: Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics
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Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics
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Warfare in the Medieval World
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Warfare in the Ancient World
ASIN: 0312348207
Release Date: 2005-12-27 |
Book Description
Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World describes the fighting methods of soldiers in Europe and the Near East in an age before the widepsread use of gunpowder. The book explores the unique tactics required to win battles with the technology available and demonstrates how, in some respects, little has changed of the art of war. Using specially commissioned artwork to illustrate the battles, equipment, and tactics of the era, Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World shows in detail the ways in which armies prevailed over their foes. The book is essential for any reader interested in the realities and means of medieval warfare.
Customer Reviews:
Good artwork.......2006-07-23
I honestly found this book to be a disappointment. I expected a more thorough examination of "combat skills, and tactics." Unfortunately it is more a discussion of the various arms of a medieval army, infantry (which includes archers & gunners), cavalry, sappers (siege engines), and ships. There were various discussions of select battles and how each of these arms were used to win or lose the battle. There was a good discussion of tactics, but almost none of skills. The modern artwork is excellent. The line drawings were incredibly clear and accurate and quite informative. The color paints of the battles were excellent. The 19th artwork was an embarrassment. It was well written and a decently enjoyable read. The authors are clearly informed on the subject that they wrote about. But, what they wrote about isn't "combat skills."
Pretty good, but don't expect any fighting techniques.......2006-03-11
Despite a misleading title and some dubious choices of artwork, this is a pretty sound book. Like the earlier "Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World" there really isn't any discussion of actual fighting techniques. About as close as the authors get is a brief discussion of the adoption of the couched lance. Rather than a book about the techniques used in medieval fighting this is a solid but unremarkable book about medieval warfare.
The text of the book is excellent, with large chapters on infantry, mounted warfare, command and control, siege warfare and naval warfare. Rather than trying too officiously to isolate these elements, the chapters are woven around accounts of battles and campaigns that illustrate important points. This works rather well.
Descriptions of individual battles are accompanied by simple but well drawn colour maps. These, and a few medieval pictures are the high point of the illustrations. The majority of the illustrations are modern line drawings. These are OK, but are not great. For example, the illustration of the huscarl on page 18 has a shield without any arm straps, a hauberk significantly shorter than those shown on the Bayeux tapestry and a helmet nasal inside the brow band, which is a good way to get a broken nose.
The modern drawing are, however, vastly better than the significant number of 19th century paintings of medieval warfare (including the cover picture). It mystifies me as to why authors continue to use such pictures. While they may tell us a great deal about attitudes in the 19th century, they are a source of serious misinformation about the medieval period. I would far rather see a blank page than a picture that makes Hollywood's portrayal of the middle ages look accurate.
This brings me to one last picture, which truly boggles the mind. It is the line drawing of a "Viking" on page 221. He is wearing the obligatory Hollywood fur shawl, something that looks like Snoopy's flying helmet, has one long sleeve and one short sleeve on his tunic, a belt without a buckle and is holding a shield (that would snap his arm if it was struck) by putting his arm through two cupboard handles! I am pretty sure that this is a modified version of a picture that I first saw over thirty years ago in a Boys Own Paper style of history book. In any case it is completely unacceptable in a serious historical work, even a popular one. Most of the authors are academics. Honestly guys, if one of your undergraduates presented something so amateurish, you would tear strips off them. Why did you think it was acceptable for you to do it? It is a real blot on an otherwise solid book.
If you want a sound introductory book on medieval warfare, then this fits the bill. However, take the illustrations with a grain of salt, and certainly don't expect any actual fighting techniques to be described.
Stephen Hand
Author, English Swordsmanship, Medieval Sword and Shield
Editor, Spada, SpadaII
Beautiful and Well Researched.......2006-03-07
The Medievel world from 500 to 1500 witnessed a series of battles that are still studied today. These include the victories of the British archers at Crecy and Agincourt, as well as the French victory over the British at Hastings that permanently changed the government of England.
This book is a detailed study of weapons, tactics and strategy from that time. It concentrates mostly on the European armies but includes such battles as the Siege of Constantinople when the Turkish Sultan Mehmet II essentially ended the Byzantine empire.
The selection of chapter titles gives a good summary of what the book is teaching: The Role of Infantry, Mounted Warfare, Command and Control, Siege Techniques, and Naval Warfare. The book is beautifully illustrated, including several drawings and illustrations created specially for this edition. The authors are a mixture of British and American switers and professors specializing in the warfare of this time period.
Book Description
In this book, world-class self-defense and tactical trainer Andy Stanford covers a wide spectrum of high- and low-tech approaches to prevailing in any high-risk, reduced-light scenario. Stanford cuts through the myths and misconceptions about night-fighting hardware and shows you how to employ it effectively in low-light combat.
Customer Reviews:
IF Andy Stanford writes it buy it........2005-06-05
I am completely impressed with Stanford's work. Every book I have read written by him is excellent. If you want to learn about low light tactics, this book covers it all, and you must learn about low light tactics if you are serious about self-defense. Easy to read and understand. Well written. Buy this book.
Good basics on low-light operations.......2003-06-18
As this book is written by Andy Stanford, I had high expectations towards it. Partially the book was on par with my expectations, but partially I was a little bit disappointed with it. I was pleased with the way Stanford presents the issues he handles in the book, but disappointed with the fact that the book didn't dig deep enough on many issues.
The book starts with "human factors" (explanation how the eye works, how it adapts to darkness and so on), then there is a chapter about various night vision equipment, and another about less exotic aiming devices. The fourht chapter discusses flashlights and spotlights. There is very good advise on selecting a flashlight, and Standford also gives some recommendations on what specific flashlights to buy. The author seems to be in love with Surefire lights; admittedly they are very good, but there are many other quality flashlights around Stanford barely mentions in the book. Next, Stanford presents eight different handgun shooting techniques with flashlight. There is also chapters on "additional tools" (clothing, perimeter defence, edged weapons and so on), self defense with fashlight, low-light tactics, and training for low-light encounters.
In conclusion, I would say that Fight at night is a very good book, if you don't know much about self defense in low-light conditions. But if you have some previous training or knowledge about the subject, it doesn't have that much to offer. There are all of the basic tactics there, but not much of the advanced stuff. You could say that the book doesn't hold any surpises, either good or bad. Still, with it's flaws, it is the best book dedicated to low-light operations I have read.
Never fear the night.......2003-03-15
Some names stand out and speak for themselves, Gunsite, Gerber, Colt Andy Stanford, etc. Mr Stanford has done it again. Fight at Night is one of the best texts written on the subject of night fighting. It's very detailed and comprehensive. Not only are the topics of Firearms covered, but also how to use knives, flashlights, and your body as a weapon in the dark.
After a late night "can't put it down" reading of this book, I have to say that if you aren't using the dark to your advantage, you are seriously handicapping yourself! With a little knowledge, practice and preparation, you need never fear the dark again, in fact, you will become one of those things that goes "Bump in the night".
A solid foundation for the novice and mid level shooter.......2002-03-08
The book does a solid job of laying a foundation of fighting with various tools in the hours of darkness. This foundation would serve best the novice to mid-level shooter and armed citizen. However, the book covers areas already well known to an excellent and/or highly knowledgeable shooter and can become a bit boring at the occasional point. As a LE firearms instructor, I found it to be a good addition to my library.
Latest self-defense equipment and tactics at night revealed........2001-12-28
Fight at Night by Andy Stanford is a technical and extremely useful book. It should be considered as a resource book to consult and hold onto. Topics include how the eye works, a history of Night Vision/Infra-Red equipment (NV/IR). Even military equipment is detailed. Stanford explains the pros and cons of lasers and various sights, flashlights and light mounts. The knowledgable author even tells the truth about night time/low-light clothing and accessories. Stanford reviews quality edged weapons, suppressors & muzzle flash (at night) information. Also, Stanford gives useful nights tactics and nightime hand-to-hand info with references. "Fight at Night" allows you to just that! The detailed book includes an excellent appendices including terminology, company contact information of NVEquipment and accesories in the Resource Guide at the end of the book. The information gained from "Fight at Night" is definitely worth the money.
Book Description
The focus of this book is the tank battles fought during the opening phase of the war in North Africa. What really happened during the engagements? How were the tanks fought? What were their strengths and weaknesses? Not simplified generalities, but substantive, basic facts gleaned from searching for details in the surviving original records. The accounts of each battle are excerpted from the original reports written by the participants directly after each engagement. To understand the basis for the outcome of the battles, it is necessary to possess a basic understanding of the capabilities of each type of tank, its opponents, and how they were tactically employed. The first five chapters in this volume provide descriptions and technical attributes of the British, German, and Italian tanks and anti-tank guns along with the tactical doctrine from the period. Chapters six through eleven contain the details of the tank battles fought in North Africa during the period from February 1941 to June 1941. Translated excerpts from the Deutsches Afrikakorps war diary are used as a backdrop to provide a chronological guide as events progressed. An interesting feature from this war diary was the brief daily weather report revealing how hot it was and when sand storms occurred. Details on the actions in the tank battles are taken from after-action-accounts written directly after the engagements, enhanced by excerpts from war diaries of the armoured units involved to fill in the preliminary moves, buildup of strength, combat losses, and details on the actions that weren't contained in the after-action-reports. This book is compiled from the results of digging through original records for over thirty years in an attempt to find data that would aid in assessing and understanding the tank battles that took place in North Africa. Tom Jentz is also the author of Panzertruppen 1933-1942, and Panzertruppen 1943-1945 (both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.)., over 100 b/w photographs, 30 line drawings, 8 1/2" x 11"
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful study........2007-01-12
This book is a wonderful study about the battl in North Africa in the first 6 month of 1941. You must have it at home!
Italians revenge.......2003-01-18
As all the Jents books, also this one is dedicated to the Panzertruppen and his day by day analysis of the single fighting is an inestimable fount for the ones really interested in understand the peculiar problems of the tank combat in the desert and, more general, on flat lands.
The author introduce the reader with the complete list of the italian, british and german tanks operating on the theatre and reporting not only the tanks datas but also the ones of the guns and the kills capabilities of all them explaining why the italian army, supported by no more than 100 german tanks was able to keep the entire british army at bay for three years.
Inside this book you'll find tactics notes, use of formation and how not to use the radio in combat, how to plain a tactical operation and how to plain a complete failure overstimating the enemy and completely forgotting the Von Moeltke lessons about the uncertain nature of the battlefield and the strange enemy use to have its own plans...
If you are interested about the tank warfare and the desert one, you must have this book
A Gold Mine for Wargamers.......2002-08-30
This is precisely the sort of work which wargamers long for, but never find. It is exhaustively researched and clearly presented, and chock-full of detail on equipment and tactics. If you are interested in Advanced Squad Leader, Advanced Tobruk, Panzer Grenadier Afrika Korps, or similar simulations, you will be delighted with this. It's also filled with clear, excellent photographs, maps, and charts.
Everything to do with early N.Africa Tank battles.......2002-03-10
This book is made of very high quality paper and hardcover. It is very easy and entertaining to read. It covers the early battle actions from February 1941-June 1941. The book has all the data on the tanks (even to the steel specifications of each armour plate), all the guns penetration and accuracy data tables & gunners aim diagrams for how the Germans should fire at Matilda tanks!) Jentz uses original sources for all his information not others work.
There are many official after action reports included as to the effectiveness of the tanks both in reliability and fighting performance. Also the official recommended tactics for battle are given.
Most battles are covered with tactical movements and a map showing them, also battle reports and at the end a summary of the tactics each side used and what conclusions can be made.
The B/W plates are of very clear reproduction and show many details not normally visible like the extra armour plates added to early Pz4D. The Matilda is definately the "star" of this book but there is still a full appeciation of the Italian tanks and guns.
This book covers next to everything those interested in early North Africa Tank battles & tanks could want to know. Like the other reviewer I am eagerly waiting the next 2? books in this series!!
Absolute Necessity for any Military Enthusiast.......2001-07-29
This work is an absolute necessity for anyone interested in the North African campaign. It is not a story or an account of battles, rather, it is a technical manual regarding the forces involved in the campaign. Mr. Jentz is meticulous in his research of the primary historical documents and does an excellent job of organizing this mass of material. Of greatest interest to me personally is the tactical treatment of the battles. While I possess numerous works on this campaign, I have never seen such analyses published until now. Additionally, the author conducts an in-depth analysis of the equipment utilized by the Germans, British, and Italians. As a result, he produces an objective account of the effectiveness of the tanks, artillery, and other weapons utilized in North Africa. The author also includes excellent orders-of-battle of the various units.
Of course, no work is ever perfect. If I had to mention some negatives of the book, I would point out that the maps should be colorized. While useful, these would have been improved with color renditions of the various forces, instead of the black-and-white that is used in the book. Trying to discern the dynamics of the battle was made more difficult since all of the arrows were in black ink.
In sum, this book is an excellent addition to any military library. It covers areas previously untouched and makes a valuable contribution to the field. I highly recommend this work and eagerly await the next two promised volumes that will comprise the whole of the North African campaign.
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