Medieval European Armies 1300-1500 (Men at Arms Series, 50) [Paperback]

Terence Wise (Author), Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: April 30, 1975

Almost continual warfare raged in Europe during the period 1300-1500. These wars were the furnaces in which many of the modern European nations were forged. Parallel with this emergence of the nations came the development of national armies to protect the newly-won borders and independence, yet throughout this period the old feudal method of raising an army persisted. This fascinating study by Terence Wise explores the organization, weapons and equipment of the armies who fought across Medieval Europe, from the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) to the fight against the Moors in Spain, and the French invasion of Italy in 1494.

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

Terence Wise is one of Osprey’s most popular authors. Terence has been a respected historical writer for more than 25 years. With numerous books and articles to his credit, he has contributed more than a dozen titles to the Men-At-Arms series, mainly on medieval subjects including studies of the military orders and the Wars of the Roses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (April 30, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850452457
• ISBN-13: 978-0850452457
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #784,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Some interesting material, but very dated, July 22, 2000

By 

J. Angus Macdonald "bibliovore" (Concord, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Medieval European Armies 1300-1500 (Men at Arms Series, 50) (Paperback)

The Osprey Men-at-Arms series has been around for quite some time. As you can tell by looking at the number on this one (50), this was one of the early efforts. It really shows.

First of all, it should be noted that is book covers the era 1300-1500 AD (approx.), so the earlier Middle Ages are ignored entirely. It also relies heavily on Victorian era illustrations (not for their central colour section, though) for many of the pictures -- this is very sad as most of these illustrations are woefully inaccurate. The central colour illustrations are of a much higher caliber, but not up to the current standards of the series.

The information falls into the "good enough" category. It's not that the information is dreadfully wrong, it is just that it is woefully generalized and, by current academic standards, rather antiquated. The series as a whole has done a fine job of late by focusing on smaller time periods and specific nations (thus French Medieval Armies, 1000-1300, as an example) which far supercede this volume.

If you are only going to have one volume on medieval arms and armour, you could do worse than this book. Then again, you might just want to set your standards a tech higher...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars a weak Osprey title, August 12, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: Medieval European Armies 1300-1500 (Men at Arms Series, 50) (Paperback)

I'd have to agree with Mr. MacDonald's review. Originally written in 1975, this book is showing its age. The scope is too broad. There is some good basic information here, but the illustrations are abysmal. The interested reader would do well to investigate the other Osprey titles on this period. They are more focussed and therefore of more usefulness. The most egregious error repeated in this book is the mythical prowess given to the longbow. More recent research has debunked this commonly held belief.