Customer Reviews

Hannibal's War With Rome: The Armies and Campaigns 216 BC (Special Editions (Military))

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The title is essentially two books in one. The first `Armies of the Carthaginian Wars' is a traditional Osprey Military Library treatment of the subject in a `Men of Arms' style. (approx. 50 pages) While the 2nd book `Hannibal's Wars' is in Osprey's `Campaign' style (approx. 100 pages) and is a much more comprehensive and critical examination of the arms, and armour of the two opposing forces as well as a detailed look of the issues at stake. The colour illustrations are excellent as always. The colour plates arranged together in the 1st book, while interspersed, in the 2nd. There are numerous B/W photographs of primary evidence such as coins, funerary art and sculpture. Inevitably, because these 2 books were written separately and fused together for this compilation, there is no inter-reference, some subjects are covered twice and there is some disagreement. One criticism from a purely academic point of view is the use of primary classical sources. Instead of just `Polybius says...' I would have preferred a footnote at least referencing the chapter or section this view could be found in a standard translation of the text. The two `books' have to be read in conjunction to get the most of the whole. For example the wonderful painting of the Roman Tribune (found in the 1st book) is stated to be based on a figure found on a certain altar. It is not until you get to the 2nd book, where this original altar figure is reproduced, can you judge for yourself the accuracy of the painting. On the whole a worthy compilation - an easy read and style and taken together the two books provide an excellent overview of the 2nd Punic War and its effects.

While an interesting read in its own right, this book is best used as a companion reference to Titus Livy's work, or other accounts of the Punic wars, Hannibal or Scipio Africanus. It is replete with full-page color renderings of the uniforms, armor and weapons of the Punic wars as well as full maps and accounts of the major battles. Photographs of the landscape and period artwork and artifacts help to round out the text and help it to captivate the flavor of the conflict.