El Cid and the Reconquista 1050-1492 (Men-At-Arms, No 200) [Paperback]

David Nicolle (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: July 28, 1988

The very name El Cid sums up much of the special character of medieval Spanish warfare. It comes from the Arabic al sayyid, master or chieftain, and seems to have been given to Rodrigo de Vivar by his Muslim foes. But was it given in recognition of El Cid's victories against Islam in the 'Reconquista' – or because this Castilian nobleman was as content to serve beside the Muslims as to fight them? The story of the Christian conquest of the Iberian peninsula which gave rise to the legend of El Cid, is here examined by David Nicolle, who outlines the history, tactics, arms and armour of the period.

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 PhD 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; First Edition edition (July 28, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850458404
• ISBN-13: 978-0850458404
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #765,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More About the Reconquista and Less about El Cid, May 27, 2003

By 

Michael Cannon (South Jordan, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: El Cid and the Reconquista 1050-1492 (Men-At-Arms, No 200) (Paperback)

I was disappointed in this book. I was looking for an Osprey treatment of the wars centered around the late 1000s in Spain with a particular emphasis on the battles and campaigns of El Cid and the monarchs and rulers he served. What I got instead was a boiled down version of a survey course on Spanish history over three centuries and little mention of the Cid (OK, there's *A* plate of him and his death and a couple of other activities are mentioned in the chronology but since he was the lead in the title I had expected more than that). If you are a historian, avoid this. If you are a wargamer, get it only if you need a few of the illustration plates for the period. I don't really feel like it is worth [what] most people ask for it used. Bad Osprey, bad, BAD Osprey!

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars El Cid and his ilk, August 10, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: El Cid and the Reconquista 1050-1492 (Men-At-Arms, No 200) (Paperback)

Dr. Nicolle's treatment of the Iberian peninsula from the mid 11th century through the final conquest of Granada in 1492. One will come to recognize that there was no monolithic conflict between Muslims and Christians during this period; rather, the majority of combat resulted from constant raiding and squabbles between small states. Let's face it, folks, most of the activity was the theft of livestock! This book may have opened my eyes to the fact that the raiding that took place in the Later Western Empire continued unabated until the Renaissance.
No saints here! Just lots of petty warlords and self aggrandizing mercenaries. Great reading. Once again, the series falls short on maps but makes up with great color plates by Mr. McBride and a great bibliography.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Moors and Andalusians, April 2, 2007

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: El Cid and the Reconquista 1050-1492 (Men-At-Arms, No 200) (Paperback)

This title examines the Reconquista from both the Christian and Muslim sides, showing the organization of their military forces, their armament, and their history. The plates are excellent, and also give an idea of female and civilian costume. The book says very little of El Cid himself, however (following the tradition of Nicolle's books with 'Arthur' and 'Attila' in the title).