DK's Battle draws together, for the first time, the many facets of battle--the glory and the gore, the attrition and atrocity--in a new and original way. Organized chronologically, Battle provides a detailed overview of the conduct of warfare through the centuries, from the first recorded battle at Megiddo between the massed ranks of Hittites and Egyptians, to the war of the missing Weapons of Mass Destruction. In each era, the technology that transformed the battlefield and the tactics that won the day are explored and explained. Battle is an indispensable reference to this most fundamental part of the human story.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Visually arresting, charged with authenticity and commanding in its grasp of information, a worthy addition to any bookshelf. RAF Magazine
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
R.G. Grant is a history writer who has published more than 20 books, including titles on the Revolutionary War, World War I and II, and the Vietnam War. He's also the author of DK's Flight: 100 Years of Aviation, Warrior, and Battle at Sea.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 57 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"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.
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Kathy G
Format:Hardcover
This book is simply outstanding! Our 8 year old is completely fascinated with the history of warfare. He loves to research military attire and weapons used in the various battles. This book is a visual journey through all of the battles worldwide over time. It shows the progression of advancing technology and strategies used. It brings the reader one step closer to understanding the essence of each battle using both visuals and well written explainations. It is a must-have for anyone deeply interested in the evolution of war.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Battle
Every battle you ever heard of, and more! This is a very detailed book and the illustrations are not only helpful but instructive. Well written.
Published 5 months ago by Larry G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous Overview of 5000 Years of Battles!
"Battle" is like a book form of a Ken Burns' TV series. Loads of information imparted quickly, in small discrete packages and massive amounts of illustration. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Happy Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gift
I got this for my son...and it's great he says. He teaches and this was amazing information from what he says.
Published 6 months ago by Karen S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I am a elementary school librarian and this book is great. It gives small snippets of information about every major battle in recorded history. Read more
Published on November 13, 2010 by Jane Obersat
5.0 out of 5 stars
BATTLE,A VISUAL JOURNEY THROUGH 5,000 YEARS OF CAMBAT.
VERY GOOD BOOK FOR THOSE WHO STUDY WARFARE,AS WELL AS ONE NEEDING A QUICK REFERENCE ON GENERAL WARFARE HISTORY.
Published on February 11, 2010 by Chris Sherwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
A nice picture book
I think that this book is a cut above most "picture book" histories. It covers battles throughout the ages (from 3000BC to 2001). Read more
Published on November 22, 2009 by Colorado Metallurgist
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellet historical reference
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in military conflict through the centuries. It covers all of the major battles and more that occurred. Read more
Published on May 6, 2008 by Helmut Krause
5.0 out of 5 stars
Indispensable Book
"Battle" is a rich and well organized summary of all main battles of History, since ancient times till present conflicts. It has good maps and wonderful pictures. Read more
Published on April 24, 2008 by Ana C. P. Castro
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent collectors item
My 15yo son wanted this book and I couldn't find it anywhere. Amazon came through with a good price and free shipping
Published on February 24, 2008 by Colette M. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great format and summary of the major battles in history!!
There are two main reasons why I liked this book and why you should get it if you are a true history buff:
1. Read more
1. Read more
Published on November 26, 2007 by J. Kim
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