The Armies of Islam : 7th-11th Centuries (Men at Arms, 125) [Paperback]

David Nicolle (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: July 29, 1982

During the Middle Ages, Islam was Christian Europe's only civilized and most troublesome neighbor. The Middle Ages saw almost continual strife between these two distinct cultures. By the time the Frankish Crusaders reached the Middle East at the end of the 11th century, Islam had already incorporated three major races: Arabs, Persians and Turks, each of which contributed different strengths to the armoury of Islam. This title explores the organization, uniforms and equipment of the armies of Islam from the 7th to 11th centuries, backed by illustrations, museum photographs and eight full page color plates by popular Osprey artist Angus McBride.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

David Nicolle was born in 1944 and was educated at Highgate School. For eight years he worked in the BBC Arabic Service. In 1971 he went 'back to school', gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a PhD from Edinburgh University. For some years he taught art and architectural history at Yarmuk University, Jordan. David has written many Osprey titles, including MAA 140 Armies of the Ottoman Turks, MAA 320 Armies of the Caliphates 862–1098, and Campaign 43 Fornovo 1495.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 29, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850454484
• ISBN-13: 978-0850454482
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #843,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars muslim primer for the early middle ages, August 10, 2002

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ignorance is bliss "therazorsedge555" (Tempe, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Armies of Islam : 7th-11th Centuries (Men at Arms, 125) (Paperback)

Another of Dr. Nicolle's excellent overviews of medieval military organizationa and equipment. The soldiers and mercenaries of the Caliphate, the Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid dynasties as well as other dynastic and succesor states are illustrated and described. Anyone interested in this period as well as the early Crusades and Muslim Spain will find something of interest. The cross fertilization of equipment, tactics and troop types is especially evident in this work. Dr. Nicolle actually suggests that the kite shield, so often associated with the Normans, could well have come from the Byzantines, via Muslim Sicily or Spain! Cons: insufficient maps. Pros: Angus McBride's beautiful color plates. Thus, 4 stars.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful peek back in time!, November 10, 2001

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Caius Fabius "caiusfabius" (Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Armies of Islam : 7th-11th Centuries (Men at Arms, 125) (Paperback)

I like Osprey Books, especially the Men at Arms series. I enjoy the lovely color plates, and this book is no exception. Not only do we see the dress of every day military, but also civilian men and women. The color plates are supplememnted by photographs and line drawings. The text describes a small bit about the culture and describes the various equipments, formations, leaders, and some better known units of the time period. The bibliography is helpful for continuing your research into this colorful subject. This is one of those books that you won't want to loan out unless you have a second copy!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bravo For A Little Known Subject !, January 31, 2006

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SUPPORT THE ASPCA. "PILUM THROWER!" (?????) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Armies of Islam : 7th-11th Centuries (Men at Arms, 125) (Paperback)

Dr. Nicolle has written another Classic and Mr. McBrides color plates are superb. For all History buffs, teachers, and students this is a fine book on a highly neglected topic. The author takes you back in time and gives the reader a detailed, colorful, scene. From the combatants tactics, dress, weapons,and geography. To a slice of civilian life are all covered. Had their been some colorful maps I would have given it 5 stars.