Medieval Warfare: A History (Paperback)

The book is divided into two broad categories: The Phases of Medieval Warfare, and The Arts of Warfare. This collection spans nearly a millenium of warfare in the European theatre and environs including Vikings, Crusades, French & English wars, and Charlemagne. There are investigations of tactics, strategies, politics, technology and weaponry innovations, and the growing importance of navigation and naval warfare. Each essay has accompanying illustrations and photographs, and this slim volume is a worthy addition to any medieval or military historian's library as a survey of medieval warfare.

Keen's analysis is insightful, showing how developments in the medieval arts of war led to the the drive toward colonisation that has made the world's political geography what it is today. The essays work well at illuminating the subject, yet each essay has its own integrity.

As Keen writes in the preface: 'Warfare was a formative influence on the civilisation and the social structures of the European middle ages. Its history in that period is in consequence of high significance alike for those who are interested in the middle ages for themselves and for their legacy, and for those whose interest is in war and its place in the story of human development. '

There are many theories of the development of history -- one of the strongest theories of history through much of history is that warfare is one of the primary driving forces, for social change, for political change, and for technological change.

Keen pulls together in the last few paragraphs the themes of many of the essays, pointing the direction toward modern warfare.

This is a book worthy of Oxford Press.

The book is a collective effort of twelve authors, and consists of the same number of essays. It is divided into two parts. The first describes the art of warfare in a chronological manner - from Charlemagne to The Hundred Years War - and the second concentrates on its specific aspects during the whole Middle Ages period, including the fortifications and mercenaries.

Such a form demands including numerous references to other chapters. It requires one to read the book at least twice. But don't be fooled - it is book to study not to read. Fortunately Maurice Keen managed to create clear and accurate references.

The dry and academic language used in some essays, and the tendency to divulge into details can defer a beginning reader from reading it whole. Also switching into the specific language of certain chapters can take some time and become an obstacle.

The bibliography is very well done, as is a very helpful chart with important dates, and rich index, invaluable in such works. The book is heavy with illustrations, though some of them are very typical and can be found in almost every other publication, ie. the picture of a mounted knight in a gothic armour from the Trustees Wallace Collection.

To sum up, the book is one of the most valuable I've purchased. It gives a general view on the art of warfare in the Middle Ages and invites into further research. It is definately worth its price.