Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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!

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.

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).

This is the best book you can buy for a glimpse about warfare in Iberia from the 11th to the 15th century. Fast to read, and every page has an huge amount of interesting information. It clears out many preconceptions and details the many peculiarities typical of the time and place in study.

It's impressive the cultural exchanges between christhians and muslims and how it affected dress, titles, weapons, armour, ways of thinking, ways of waging war, etc...and before the coming of the Murabitin (Almoravids) of considerable tolerance.

This books sumarizes the Christian armies sinde the 1050 to the conquest of Granada; the Muslim armies of the Taifa period, Andalusia, Murabitin and Muwahiddun (almohads) periods are also shown in broad strokes.

One extremely negative remark though: the title! This book has almost no information about el campeador! This isn't a book about el cid and how he influenced the reconquista. This Marketing ploy could and should had been avoided. If you're searching for a book about Ruy Diaz de Bivar this isn't the one you're looking for.

Absolutely beautiful colour plates by McBride.

Usually I do not purchase items over the internet but I needed it for class. The book came in clean unused condition and it was what I ordered. It was great!!!1