Customer Reviews

Battle: A Visual Journey Through 5,000 Years of Combat

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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.

I picked up this book on a lark and didn't put it down for two days. This tome is a comprehensive study of historically significant conflicts, revolutionary battle strategies, and the evolution of weapons. Hundreds of high-quality photographs and detailed maps provide marvelous insight. A must-have for anyone who enjoys military history.

This is an excellent source of military history information. Scholars may not think it complete, but to the novice or anyone interested in military history this is a great reference, learner and interesting read. There are thousands of battles included, each in a concise format familiar to the readers of DK books. Easy reading, without too many superfluous details - just the highlights and parts the average person needs to know. Highly recommended.

This book combines great info with stunning graphics and is a delight for any lover of history (even if your favorite part of history is something other than military history). The only problem with the book is a number of TYPOS that I have found! For example, the maps for NARVA (p. 162) and POLTAVA (p. 163) are switched! There are other mistakes too and it's amazing to me that more careful proofing did not occur before this beautiful book went to print!

I just got this book and I must say It's great. It provides a excellent visual adventure into the history of battle and warfare. Although the infomation might be a vague, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is intrested in learning a bit more about Military History with high visual aid. Overall I give it a 7/10

This is a three in one review on the truly splendid books, Warrior, Weapon, and Battle. Or more formally: Warrior, A visual History of the Fighting Man. Weapon, A visual History of Arms and Armor. Battle, A visual Journey through 5000 Years of Combat.

They can be reviewed together because of their kinship in sharing the same visual concept and the same supremely expert author, R. G. Grant. No pilgrim, Grant is the author of over 20 books, most on the subject of conflict, implements of war and the fighting man.

All three books are wonderfully delicious for those of us whose DNA inclines us toward the history of arms, armament and the men who have carried them. These books are chock full of photographs, charts, maps and illustrations on every page to beautifully compliment and expand upon a tightly written, no fluff text. And this text is extremely well researched.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that I have not read each of these three books in their entirety. I've had them for only 2 weeks and after scanning them from start to finish, I am now devouring them slowly, page by page, like a monk with a holy book, meting out tasty morsels judiciously. I want this to last a long time.

Although, the books overlap to a degree, they are not repetitious in any negative way as they each have their own exclusive focus.

Warrior takes on the subject of the individual fighting man from 600 BCE to the present, from the Greek Hoplite, the Samurai, Zulu, Mongol bowman, American rifleman to the modern western infantry and special forces...and almost everything in between.

Weapon focuses on just about every kind of implement of a fighting man's arsenal of killing tools from Assyrian spears to the AK 47. In some cases, replicas have been photographed but mostly it's the often crusty, old real thing. The photography is first rate. As in all three books, the text and illustrations are intermingled in such an artful way as to make each page a visual smorgasbord.

Battle covers the first recorded major battle which is between the Canaanites and the Egyptians at Meiddo and takes us through conflicts in every age all the way to modern times. Its focus is on the Generals, the strategies, the troops and their weapons.

Battle was published by DK in 2005, Weapon in `05 and Warrior in `07. Highly recommended, all three.

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. In particular I like the way that it provides some historical background to the acutal battles.

Short and punchy summaries of the battles just add to the attraction of the book. Lavished throughout with excellent maps and colour photos and illustrations this book is a must have for any military library.

Do yourself a favour and buy it.

Nice complilation of historical battles with maps etc... A basic synopsis of famous/importanat battles throughoout history. A recommended book for those with an interest in historic warfare.