The World History Shelf
Enmity and Violence in Early Modern Europe
Stuart Carroll
Cambridge University Press
One Liberty Plaza, Fl. 20, New York, NY 10006
www.cambridge.org
9781009287326, $39.99, HC, 490pp
https://www.amazon.com/Enmity-Violence-Early-Modern-Europe/dp/100928732X
Synopsis: "Enmity and Violence in Early Modern Europe" is an original study=
in which Professor Stuart Carroll transforms our understanding of Europe b= etween 1500 and 1800 by exploring how ordinary people felt about their enem= ies and the violence it engendered. Enmity, a state or feeling of mutual op= position or hostility, became a major social problem during the transition =
to modernity.
"Enmity and Violence in Early Modern Europe" examines how people used the l= aw, and how they characterized their enmities and expressed their sense of = justice or injustice.
Through the examples of early modern Italy, Germany, France and England, we=
see when and why everyday animosities escalated and the attempts of the st= ate to control and even exploit the violence that ensued.
Professor Carroll also examines the communal and religious pressures for pe= ace, and how notions of good neighbourliness and civil order finally worked=
to underpin trust in the state. Ultimately, enmity is not a relic of the p= ast; it remains one of the greatest challenges to contemporary liberal demo= cracy.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of numer= ous Figures, Maps, Tables, an informative Introduction and Conclusion, a fi=
ve page Select Bibliography, and a twelve page Index, "Enmity and Violence =
in Early Modern Europe" is a seminal work of meticulous scholarship and sol= idly recommended addition to personal, community, college, and university l= ibrary European History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lis= ts. It should be noted for students, academia, historians, and non-speciali=
st general readers with an interest in Italian, German, English and French = history that "Enmity and Violence in Early Modern Europe" is also available=
in a digital book format (Kindle, $37.99).
Editorial Note: Stuart Carroll (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Carrol=
l) is Professor of Early Modern History at the University of York. He is on=
e of the editors of the Cambridge World History of Violence (2020). His oth=
er publications include Blood and Violence in Early Modern France (2006) an=
d Martyrs and Murderers: the Guise Family and the Making of Europe, which w=
on the J. Russell Major prize of the American Historical Association in 201=
1. He has also been awarded the Sixteenth Century Society's Nancy Lyman Roe= lker Prize an unprecedented four times.
The Queen's Frog Prince
David Lee
Chronos Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803411644, $23.95, PB, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Queens-Frog-Prince-Courtship-Elizabeth/dp/1803411643
Synopsis: Between the years 1579 and 1581, a courtship between Elizabeth I =
of England and Francois, Duke of Anjou took place. Though this courtship is=
often dismissed as a political tactic on Elizabeth's part to create an Ang= lo-French alliance during the Wars of Religion, with the publication of "Th=
e Queen's Frog Prince: The Courtship of Elizabeth I and the Duke of Anjou" = Irish historian Davie Leed presents an alternative interpretation.
In his history of Elizabeth I and the Duke of Anjou, Lee pores over some of=
the surviving love letters exchanged between Elizabeth and Anjou, whom Eli= zabeth affectionately nicknamed "my frog." Lee suggests that although the c= ourtship suited Elizabeth I politically, it also blossomed into something m= uch more complex, an affectionate bond, and that to understand Elizabeth I =
as a woman, she must first be seen for who she was beneath all the vainglor=
y and iconography.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of illus= trations, a 'Dramatis Personae', fourteen pages of Notes, and a five page B= ibliography, "The Queen's Frog Prince: The Courtship of Elizabeth I and the=
Duke of Anjou" is exceptionally 'reader friendly' in both organization and=
presentation. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.7=
5) for the personal reading lists of students, academia, historians, and no= n-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, "The Queen's = Frog Prince" will prove to be a welcome pic for community and academic libr= ary British Royal History collections and supplemental curriculum studies l= ists.
Editorial Note: David Lee is an Irish historian, who specialises in women's=
history. He first became interested in the Tudors as a teenager. David's i= nterest in Tudor history, particularly Tudor women's history, attracted him=
so much that he found himself embarking on a path towards a career in the = historical profession. David earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history fr=
om Maynooth University in 2019 and recently, a Master's Degree specializing=
in nineteenth-century women landowners and heiresses. He is currently also=
writing a joint biography of William and Robert Cecil. He has contributed = two articles on Queen Anne Boleyn.com and has appeared on podcasts with Nat= alie Grueninger of the Talking Tudors podcast series. He also writes monthl=
y articles for Tudor Life magazine.
The Granddaughters of Edward III
Kathryn Warner
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781526779250, $42.95, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Granddaughters-Edward-III-Kathryn-Warner/dp/15267792=
50
Synopsis: Edward III (13 November 1312 - 21 June 1377) may best known to hi= story for his restoration of English kingly authority after the disastrous = and mysterious fall of his father, Edward II, and eventual demise of his mo= ther, Queen Isabella. It was Edward III who arguably put England on the map=
as a military might. This show of power and strength was not simply throug=
h developments in government, success in warfare or the establishment of th=
e Order of the Garter, which fused ideals of chivalry and national identity=
to form camaraderie between king and peerage. The expansion of England as =
a formidable European powerhouse was also achieved through the traditional = lines of political marriages, particularly those of the king of England's o=
wn granddaughters.
"The Granddaughters of Edward III" by academician and historian Kathryn War= ner is a joint biography of nine of those women who lived between 1355 and = 1440, and their dramatic, turbulent lives. One was queen of Portugal and wa=
s the mother of the Illustrious Generation; one married into the family of = her parents' deadly enemies and became queen of Castile; one became pregnan=
t by the king of England's half-brother while married to someone else, and = her third husband was imprisoned for marrying her without permission; one w=
as widowed at about 24 when her husband was summarily beheaded by a mob, an=
d some years later bore an illegitimate daughter to an earl; one saw her ma= rriage annulled so that her husband could marry a Bohemian lady-in-waiting;=
one was born illegitimate, had sixteen children, and was the grandmother o=
f two kings of England.
Critique: Informatively enriched for the reader with the inclusion of a sec= tion of black/white illustrations, three pages of Family Trees genealogies,=
a one page listing of Abbreviations, forty pages of Notes, a ten page Bibl= iography, and a five page Index, "The Granddaughters of Edward III" is an e= xtraordinary history of the life, times, and importance of nine women durin=
g and after the reign of Edward III. A thorough work of meticulous and pain= staking scholarship, "The Granddaughters of Edward III" will appeal to both=
academia and the general public with an interest in British Royal History/= Biographies. While fully recommended for community, college, and university=
library English Royal History and Women's Biography collections, it should=
be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, historians,=
and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "T=
he Granddaughters of Edward III" is also available in a digital book format=
(Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Kathryn Warner (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathryn_Warne=
r) holds a BA and an MA with Distinction in medieval history and literature=
from the University of Manchester, and is the author of biographies about = Edward II and his queen Isabella. Kathryn has had work published in the Eng= lish Historical Review, has given a paper at the International Medieval Con= gress, and appeared in a BBC documentary. She runs a popular blog on Edward=
II and is an expert on Edward II, Isabelle of Castille and Richard II.
Roman Special Forces and Special Ops
Simon Elliott
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781399090926, $34.95, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Special-Forces-Ops-Speculatores/dp/1399090925
Synopsis: There is an ever expanding library of studies about the Roman arm=
y and the mighty legions that conquered their empire and then defended it f=
or centuries against all comers. But little has been written about the men = and units employed when something more subtle than the march of legions int=
o pitched battle was required. "Roman Special Forces and Special Ops: Specu= latores, Exploratores, Protectores and Areani in the Service of Rome" by ar= chaeologist and historian Simon Elliott is the only published study that is=
dedicated to Roman special ops and the role of the Speculatores, Explorato= res, Protectores and Areani.
An expert when it comes to Roman military history, in "Roman Special Forces=
and Special Ops" Simon Elliott reveals the kinds of special operations con= ducted by the Romans: tactical scouting ahead of the legions, covert strate= gic reconnaissance in neighboring states, espionage, assassination or abduc= tion of dissidents and enemies, counter-insurgency, and close protection of=
Roman officials and commanders.
While such missions were frequently executed by ad-hoc units or individuals=
detailed for that specific mission, "Roman Special Forces and Special Ops"=
goes on to reveal the evidence for the aforementioned specialist units -- = concluding with an analysis of the extent to which these various forces cor= responded to a modern conception of Special Forces.
These men were the eyes and ears of the Empire, the deadly tip of the Roman=
sword.
Critique: An impressively well written, eloquent, and detailed historical a= ccount, "Roman Special Forces and Special Ops: Speculatores, Exploratores, = Protectores and Areani in the Service of Rome" by Roman history expert Simo=
n Elliott is a seminal, ground-breaking, impressively detailed, well docume= nted, and truly exceptional work of meticulous and original scholarship tha=
t is enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an informative=
Introduction and Conclusion, and Appendix (Enemies of the Roman Republic a=
nd Empire), a section of photographic images, a ten page Reference and Bibl= iography list, and a three page Index. Of immense interest and value to aca= demia and the non-specialist reader alike, "Roman Special Forces and Specia=
l Ops" is a unique and unreservedly recommended pick for community, college=
, and university library Roman Military History collections and supplementa=
l curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Roman Special Forces a=
nd Special Ops" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,=
$12.99).
Editorial Note: Dr Simon Elliott (
http://www.simonelliott20.com) is an arch= aeologist, historian and broadcaster. He has written numerous books on them=
es related to the classical world and military history, and frequently appe= ars on broadcast media as a presenter and expert. Amongst others, his books=
published by Casemate Publishers include Ancient Greeks at War (2021), Old=
Testament Warriors (2021) and Romans at War (2020). He is an Honorary Rese= arch Fellow at the University of Kent, Trustee of the Council for British A= rchaeology, Ambassador for Museum of London Archaeology, President of the S= ociety of Ancients, and Guide Lecturer for Andante Travels and Hidden Histo=
ry Travel.
Edward I's Granddaughters
Louise Wyatt
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781399006705, $30.95, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Edward-Granddaughters-Murder-Power-Plantagenets/dp/1= 399006703
Synopsis: Edward I and his offspring, especially Edward II, are not shroude=
d by the mists of time. While Edward I's two sons and daughter by his secon=
d marriage are lesser known, especially the eldest, Thomas Plantagenet of B= rotherton. He made no particular impression on history, despite being Earl =
of Norfolk and Earl Marshal, but Thomas did father three children.
Of these, only one is usually remembered: Margaret of Norfolk. Indomitable,=
defiant, respected and fiercely intelligent, she defied her cousin Edward = III more than once and outlived most of her family. Her brother Edward of N= orfolk died young but her sister, Alice of Norfolk, survived childhood. But=
not for long.
In 1338, by the time she was fourteen, Alice was married to Sir Edward Mont= agu, younger brother of the famous earl of Salisbury, William Montagu and B= ishop of Ely, Simon Montagu. Edward was a warrior knight at Crecy, involved=
in the wars with Scotland, loyal to his brother and his king. The marriage=
produced five children within a decade, but by 1350 Edward Montagu was sho= wing his dark side and was part of the knightly criminal gangs that terrori= zed local areas. One day in June 1351, Alice of Norfolk paid the price.
Despite being a Plantagenet, daughter of an earl, granddaughter, niece and = cousin to kings, Alice of Norfolk has mostly been forgotten. Even looking a=
t contemporary records, Alice hardly features apart from land and property = dealings with her husband. A dusty reference to the unfortunate circumstanc=
es of her death marks the end of her life and one which will more than like=
ly remain a mystery.
Critique: Edward I (17/18 June 1239 - 7 July 1307), also known as Edward Lo= ngshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307=
.. Concurrently, he was Lord of Ireland, and from 1254 to 1306, he ruled Gas= cony as Duke of Aquitaine in his capacity as a vassal of the French king. (= Wikipedia)
A brilliant and informative history that rescues from an undeserved obscuri=
ty the lives and times of King Edward's grandchildren, "Edward I's Granddau= ghters: Murder, Power and Plantagenets" by Louise Wyatt is an extraordinary=
and inherently fascinating study that is a particularly and unreservedly r= ecommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and univ= ersity library British Royal History/Biography collections. It should be no= ted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-specialis=
t general readers with an interest in British Royalty that "Edward I's Gran= ddaughters: Murder, Power and Plantagenets" is also readily available in a = digital book format (Kindle, $29.99).
Editorial Note: Louise Wyatt (
https://www.facebook.com/WyattAuthor) has lov=
ed history since discovering Dunster Castle in Somerset aged six years old.=
Reading and writing as soon as school started, Louise has published three = local history books between 2017 and 2018 and more recently, A History of N= ursing. A registered nurse and author, medieval history is a particular pas= sion, with nursing history from antiquity onwards coming a close second.
James II & VII: Britain's Last Catholic King
Laura Brennan
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781399012584, $42.95, HC, 192pp
https://www.amazon.com/James-II-VII-Britains-Catholic/dp/1399012584
Synopsis: James II & VII (14 October 1633 O.S. - 16 September 1701) was not=
born to be a king. As the Duke of York he grew up in a Britain divided by = civil wars and witnessed big events in British history including the Battle=
of Edgehill (1642).
After the execution of his father Charles I at the hands of the Parliamenta= rians, James soldiered in Europe until his brother, Charles II was restored=
to the crowns of Britain.
Under his brother's reign, James converted to Catholicism and subsequently = became the heart of several political storms until 1681.
Upon inheriting the throne from his brother Charles II, in 1685, James stru= ggled to balance his personal faith and the evolving politics of the time, = upsetting courtiers, his parliament and his subjects eventually leading to = the Glorious Revolution and him losing his throne in 1688.
With the publication of "James II & VII: Britain's Last Catholic King", jou= rnalist and historian Laura Brennan examines the politics and events of Jam= es' life, both before and during his reign, to explain why he was unable to=
maintain the thrones of Britain, as well as the last few years of his life=
in exile, how he tried to regain the throne and his sad death.
Often overlooked as just a king who ruled for less than four years, James I=
I & VII was an accidental but key historical figure in the shaping of Briti=
sh history. The events at the end of his reign were the first steps in crea= ting a better constitution and democratic Britain.
Critique: Deftly organized into two main sections (The Duke of York: 1633-1= 685) and James II & VII & The Exile years: 1685-1701), and informative enha= nced for the reader with the inclusion of a four page Bibliography and a si=
x page Index, "James II & VII: Britain's Last Catholic King" is an impressi=
ve work of original and definitive historical research and an especially we= lcome addition to personal, professional, community, college and university=
library British Royal History/Biography collections and supplemental curri= culum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-spe= cialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "James II & VI=
I: Britain's Last Catholic King" is also available in a digital book format=
(Kindle, $19.99).
Editorial Note: Laura Brennan (
https://laurabrennan.godaddysites.com/about-= us) initially trained to become a journalist at Bournemouth University befo=
re gaining a BA Hons. degree in History from London Metropolitan University=
in 2005. While working at BBC Outside Broadcasts, she studied part time to=
gain her MA in History at Queen Mary University of London 2007 to 2009.
Julius Caesar's Civil War
Julian Romane
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781399089425, $49.95, HC, 328pp
https://www.amazon.com/Julius-Caesars-Civil-War-Strategies/dp/1399089420
Synopsis: With the publication of "Julius Caesar's Civil War: Tactics, Stra= tegies and Logistics" historian Julian Romane examines the campaigns of Jul= ius Caesar throughout the civil wars that followed his famous crossing of t=
he Rubicon, through to the defeat of the final Pompeian diehards at the bat= tle of Munda. "Julius Caesar's Civil War" analyzes Caesar's generalship in = the widest sense, with a strong emphasis on the logistical and financial ef= fort required to put his legions in the field and keep them equipped, fed a=
nd paid. The attention given to this important but often-neglected aspect s= ets this detailed and documented account apart from many others.
"Julius Caesar's Civil War: Tactics, Strategies and Logistics" addresses th=
e nature of late Republican Roman armies, describing their organization, ta= ctics and equipment. The fact that such armies were employed both by and ag= ainst Caesar only emphasizes the role of generalship in the outcome. This i=
s followed by a detailed account of the strategic maneuvers in Caesar's epo= chal duel with Pompey the Great and the resultant battles at Dyrrhachium an=
d Pharsalus. The final campaigns to mop up opposition in Spain and Africa a=
re studied in equal detail to give a complete picture of Caesar's command p= erformance in these history-shaping events.
Critique: A seminal work of outstanding historical scholarship, "Julius Cae= sar's Civil War: Tactics, Strategies and Logistics" is chronologically orga= nized into six major sections (Italy; War in Spain; War against Pompey; War=
in the East; War in Africa; The Second Spanish War). This impressive study=
is further enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of nine Appendices, =
a ten page Bibliography, and a four page Index. While also available for st= udents, academia, and non-specialist general readers in a digital book form=
at (Kindle, $22.49), "Julius Caesar's Civil War: Tactics, Strategies and Lo= gistics" is a valued and recommended addition for community and academic li= brary Ancient Roman Military History collections and supplemental curriculu=
m Julius Caesar studies lists.
Editorial Note: Julian Romane (www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Julian-Romane/a/2586=
) has a BA from Beloit College Wisconsin and an MA from the University of C= olorado. He has been fascinated with ancient/early medieval military histor=
y for half a century. He has published articles in several journals and is = the editor and/or' translator of several books on historical and political = subjects. His first monograph, "Byzantium Triumphant", was published by Pen=
& Sword in 2015.
Sextus Julius Frontinus and the Roman Empire
John D. Grainger
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781399051224, $49.95, HC, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sextus-Julius-Frontinus-Roman-Empire/dp/1399051229
Synopsis: Sextus Iulius Frontinus (c. 40 - 103 AD) is best known as author =
of the military handbook Strategems but, in addition to writing this and ot= her works (now lost), he also had a varied and surprisingly influential car= eer in military and civil posts around the Roman Empire.
Frontinus loyally served at least six emperors, often acting as a trusted c= ounselor, and even deputized for Trajan while he was busy in Germany and el= sewhere. He was possibly the longest-serving governor of Britain (five year= s), where he completed the subjugation of Wales and established the frontie=
r in northern England at the Ribble-Tees line. He founded several legionary=
fortresses, including those that later became the towns of York, Chester a=
nd Caerleon. He also served on the Rhine, in Spain and Asia and in the civi=
l sphere reformed the water supply of Rome.
With the publication of "Sextus Julius Frontinus and the Roman Empire: Auth=
or of Stratagems, Advisor to Emperors, Governor of Britain, Pacifier of Wal= es", historian John Grainger has written the first full biography of Fronti= nus. Reconstructing his life to the fullest extent permitted by the sources=
, he favorably re-evaluates his importance, particularly in Britain (at the=
expense of the better-known Agricola. Froninus' career, the author conclud= es, is one of the most varied and significant of any that can be reconsruct=
ed for any Roman who did not become Emperor.
Critique: A solid work of meticulous and documented research, "Sextus Juliu=
s Frontinus and the Roman Empire: Author of Stratagems, Advisor to Emperors=
, Governor of Britain, Pacifier of Wales" is an extraordinary, seminal, and=
deftly written contribution personal, professional, community, and academi=
c library Roman Empire History/Biography collections and supplemental curri= culum studies lists. Of special note for students, academia, and non-specia= list general readers with an interest in the subject that "Sextus Julius Fr= ontinus and the Roman Empire: Author of Stratagems, Advisor to Emperors, Go= vernor of Britain, Pacifier of Wales" is also available in a digital book f= ormat (Kindle, $29.99).
Editorial Note: John D Grainger is an historian with a particular interest =
in Classical Roman and Hellenistic Greek history. His many previous works i= nclude the following for Pen & Sword: Hellenistic and Roman Naval Wars (201= 1); The Wars of the Maccabees (2012); Roman Conquests: Egypt and Judaea (20= 13); a three-part history of the Seleukid Empire (2014-16), King's and King= ship in the Hellenistic World 350-30 BC (2017), Antipater's Dynasty (2018),=
Ancient Dynasties (2019), The Roman Imperial Succession (March 2020) and T=
he Galatians (August 2020). (
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/John-D-Grainge= r/a/1657)
Fighting Emperors of Byzantium
John Carr
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781783831166, $39.95, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Emperors-Byzantium-John-Carr/dp/1783831162
Synopsis: The Eastern Roman or 'Byzantine' Empire had to fight for survival=
throughout its long history so military ability was a prime requisite for =
a successful Emperor. With the publicaton of "Fighting Emperors of Byzantiu= m", journalist and historian John Carr concentrates on the personal and mil= itary histories of the more capable war fighters to occupy the imperial thr= one at Constantinople. They include men like it's founder Constantine I, Ju= lian, Theodosius, Justinian, Heraclius, Leo I, Leo III, Basil I, Basil II (= the Bulgar-slayer), Romanus IV Diogenes, Isaac Angelus, and Constantine XI.
Byzantium's emperors, and the military establishment they created and maint= ained, can be credited with preserving Rome's cultural legacy and, from the=
seventh century, forming a bulwark of Christendom against aggressive Islam=
ic expansion. For this the empire's military organization had to be of a hi=
gh order, a continuation of Roman discipline and skill adapted to new metho=
ds of warfare. Thus was the Empire, under the leadership of its fighting em= perors, able to endure for almost a thousand years after the fall of Rome.
Critique: Informative, fascinating, exceptionally well written, organized a=
nd presented, "Fighting Emperors of Byzantium" will be of special interest = and value to students of Roman History in general, and the history of Byzan= tium in particular. Enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of one page = bibliography of Sources and Further Reading, a one page listing of Notes & = References, a two page listing of Byzantine Emperors 313-1453, and a seven = page Index, "Fighting Emperors of Byzantium" is a welcome and recommended a= ddition to personal, community, and academic library Roman/Byzantine Milita=
ry History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should=
be noted that "Fighting Emperors of Byzantium" is also available from Pen =
& Sword Books in a paperback edition (9781399024839, $32.95) and in a digit=
al book format (Kindle, $22.99).
Editorial Note: John Carr (
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/John-Carr/a/1941=
) has enjoyed a career as a journalist, correspondent and broadcaster (The = Times, Wall Street Journal Europe, Vatican Radio), mainly in the Mediterran= ean and particularly Greece, where he now resides.
The Knights Templar at War 1120-1312
Paul Hill
Pen & Sword Books
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
9781473874923, $32.95, HC, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Knights-Templar-War-1120-1312/dp/1473874920
Synopsis: There are many books about the Knights Templar, the medieval mili= tary order which played a key role in the crusades against the Muslims in t=
he Holy Land, the Iberian peninsula and elsewhere in Europe. But what is se= ldom explored is the military context in which they operated, and that is w= hy, with the publication of "The Knights Templar at War 1120-1312" by histo= rian Paul Hill's the emphasis in this study is on how this military order p= rosecuted its wars.
The order was founded as a response to attacks on pilgrims in the Holy Land=
, and it was involved in countless battles and sieges, always at the forefr= ont of crusading warfare. "The Knights Templar at War 1120-1312" is absorbi=
ng study examines why they were such an important aspect of medieval warfar=
e on the frontiers of Christendom for nearly two hundred years.
"The Knights Templar at War 1120-1312" shows how they were funded and suppl= ied, how they organized their forces on campaign and on the battlefield and=
the strategies and tactics they employed in the various theaters of warfar=
e in which they fought. Templar leadership, command and control are examine=
d, and sections cover their battles and campaigns, fortifications and castl= es.
Critique: Originally published in March 2018 in a hard cover edition, Pen &=
Sword Books now offers "The Knights Templar at War 1120-1312" in both a pa= perback edition (9781399030885, $28.95) and in a digital book format (Kindl=
e, $11.95). Enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of photographs, illu= strations, maps, and tables, also featured is a ten page Bibliography and a=
twelve page Index. An enduringly valued, unique, and informative study on = one of the most influential of religious military orders, "The Knights Temp= lar at War 1120-1312" will have immense appeal for scholars and non-profess= ional readers alike and is an essential part of any personal, professional,=
community, or academic library Mediaeval Warfare History collection and su= pplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Paul Hill (
https://historicalwriters.org/writer/paul-hill),=
formerly curator of Kingston Upon Thames Museum in Surrey, is well known a=
s a lecturer, author and expert on Anglo-Saxon and Norman history and milit= ary archaeology, and he has written several books on these subjects, among = them The Age of Athelstan: Britain's Forgotten History, The Viking Wars of = Alfred the Great and The Anglo-Saxons at War 800-1066.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte= rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi= duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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