I found this book in a charity shop, snapped it up, and read it straight away.
I cannot say that I learned much new about the developing military technology and its corresponding application. However, I found that the strength of the book was in how Stephen Turnbull took me, as the reader, across Europe and through time to narrate examples of the evolving art of warfare.
From the fall of Constantinople, to the conquest of Granada, past the Italian Wars, through the lowlands, onto Poland and to the Balkans, Turnbull writes of the changes in action.
The campaigns and individuals are dealt with in a clear fashion without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. The biographies of the Chevalier Bayard, de Monluc, de la Noue and Captain John Smith (yes! He of Pocahontas legend) left me waiting to know more... especially about John Smith and his time fighting the Ottoman Turks.
The book has opened up to me an awareness of previously little known conflicts. If I was made of weaker stuff (thinking of some of my fellow Rejects!!!) I might now be consider a new wargaming project.
Turnbull has not written a great, in-depth tome. Nor do I believe that was his intention. This is perhaps more of a survey over space and time. And, for me, he has done a great job
Thoroughly enjoyable.
I never knew that John Smith fought the Turks. That was something the Pocahontas movie didn't cover. Looks like and interesting book covering a lot of ground.
ReplyDeleteIt was a surprise to me as well, Lawrence.
DeleteLol, I suppose you mean me n Lee? Just buy the figures Rich, you know you want too!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ray! Just buy the figures and get to work.
DeleteNow why would you think that, Ray? LOL.
DeleteLOL. Jonathan, are you now that naughty imp on my shoulder whispering in my ear?
DeleteI've a few books by Stephen Turnbull and they are all excellent, just as this one looks to be too. Great find and like the others, I never knew old John Smith fought Johnny Turk.
ReplyDeleteIt is well worth reading about Smith's time in the Balkans. He had quite the adventure.
DeleteThat is a cracking book, I don't wargame the period but do have that book and a few others in my collection, a good find there.
ReplyDeleteIt's quickly read, Donnie. Plus, you're not bogged down in technical or tactical minutiae.
DeleteReally, really interesting! also for my Kingdon of Poland conflicts in that period.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about the late 16th century fight over Livonia between Poland and Muscovy, but I know a little, now.
DeleteSeems an interesting read and full of ideas for future projects
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting, Neil, but no projects from this for me.
DeleteSounds like a very good book!
ReplyDeleteIt is, Dean, and an easy read too.
DeleteI think its a great book, I liked his samurai books and at the time I was buying anything on the great Italian wars, I think this book is why I did my Caterina Sforza command stand?
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
I shall have to go through your past posts to see if I can find that one.
Delete