Byzantine Armies 886-1118 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Ian Heath (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: July 5, 1979

The Byzantines had a remarkably sophisticated approach to politics and military strategy. Unlike most of their contemporaries, they learnt very early in their history that winning a battle did not necessarily win a war, and they frequently bought off their enemies with treaties and bribes rather than squander men and matériel in potentially fruitless campaigns. The Byzantine army of the 10th and early 11th centuries, at the height of its power and efficiency, was the best-organised, best-trained, best-equipped and highest-paid in the known world. This splendid book by Ian Heath examines the Byzantine Armies from 886-1118, including the lusty, hard-fighting, hard-drinking 'barbarian' Varangian guard.

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

Ian Heath is a highly respected author, and has written a number of Osprey titles, among them MAA 275 The Taiping Rebellion 1851-66. He is also currently working on a five-volume project covering the armies of 19th-century Asia. Ian lives and works in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; First Edition edition (July 5, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850453062
• ISBN-13: 978-0850453065
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent Osprey Book!, November 10, 2001

By 

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

This review is from: Byzantine Armies 886-1118 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

As typical for the Osprey Men at Arms series, this book has lovely color artwork, and excellent photographs and line drawings of equipment and people in clothing of the period. The arms and armor are well shown, as are various shield designs. There is a nicely written history and descriptions of the tactics, main conflicts, weapons and equipment of this historical period.
If you are not familiar with the Osprey Men at Arms series, I am sure that this will be a good starting book for your research into the subject. If you are familiar, then you know what I mean.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent piece of compact scholarship from Osprey!, August 27, 2005

By 

D. Gaubert "Zouave Outlaw" (Thibodaux, LA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Byzantine Armies 886-1118 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

My title says it all - Ian Heath's text and Angus McBride's art again make an invaluable resource for historians and students of art and history!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to the subject, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Byzantine Armies 886-1118 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

This book gives the basic information about the organization, composition and equipment of the Byzantine army from 886 to 1118. There are many pictures but unfortunately most of them are not in color. At the end the author has also included a list of books that deal with the subject more extensively, for those interested. Angus McBride's illustrations are phenomenal as usual.