The Normans (Elite) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

David Nicolle (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: January 22, 1987

Osprey's study of the Normans during the Middle Ages. Despite the small geographic extent of Normandy its people played a crucial role in the history of the medieval world. Ferocity, boundless energy, cunning and a capacity for leadership were their heritage, to which modern scholars would add supreme adaptability and a simple piety. Their amazing military successes resulted from careful planning, speed of movement, decisiveness, daring and sheer ruthlessness. Added to this was a strong business sense and an appreciation of the value of money. Veteran Osprey author David Nicolle describes the history, arms and armour of the remarkable Normans in this fascinating volume.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

David Nicolle was born in 1944, the son of the illustrator Pat Nicolle. He worked in the BBC Arabic service for a number of years, before going 'back to school', gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He later taught world and Islamic art and architectural history at Yarmuk University, Jordan. He has written many books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years. David lives and works in Leicestershire, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (January 22, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850457297
• ISBN-13: 978-0850457292
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #531,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fact check yourself before you wreck yourself, April 22, 2007

By 

The Laughing Heretic (strikes again) (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Normans (Elite) (Paperback)

I'm a history major. These Osprey books seem to be of universally high quality, especially considering that they are intended for consumption by laymen. I own quite a few of them, I'm keeping them for my kids, but I find them fun. I would rate them higher if they listed the sources they reference (so I can backtrack their research) but this is rare in general market books. The plates are generally pretty accurate, there have been some minor inaccuracies (some of which I've found pointed out in the text). I would mainly offer them to smart kids around middle school as they can be a fun way to learn about ancient warfare, I think the pictures are mainly to keep the attention of a mainstream audience that includes kids and young adults. For that purpose they excell as they have much more meaty info than the other "illustrated history" books.

Regarding a previous review by that russian guy who accuses historical inaccuracy. I can't comment on the fashion choices as medieval fashion is definitely not my area, but European martial arts/history is my specialty. That "slashing spear" is called a glaive and it *is* historically accurate. Unlike the naginata used by the japanese which has a tang that extends into the haft, the glaive is affixed via a socket like an axe head. There were a wide variety of bizzare polearms in use at the time, including similar arms like the voluge, berdiche, glaive-guisarme, and halberd. Check your facts, dude.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars McBride does it again, February 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Normans (Elite) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the state of Normandy. Like most Osprey titles it is good introduction to the subject it represents. I was dissapointed however by Dr. Nicolle's lack of emotion in his writing. Unlike other titles in the Osprey series, this book has the drama of history made relatively dry. Despite this, the information presented is very informative, and would be an excellent secondary source for a paper. Perhaps the best aspect of this book is Mr. McBride's artwork. Unlike his peers, his illustrations seem very realistic. Nothing ruins a good book like drawings of soldiers milling around aimlessly with strange facial expressions. McBride puts depth and emotion in his illustrations, not just "soldiers on parade". I also like the fact that he puts a backround in his pictures, instead of stark white. If I could find large prints of his work I would certainly frame them and adorn my walls with them.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Normans, April 16, 2007

By 

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

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Normans (Elite) (Paperback)

This book has served as an introduction to Norman history for me. The text is very informative and covers the Norman armies and arsenal from the Crusading Kingdoms to Ireland, and from Sicily to Saxon England. Do not listen to what the previous review said about the plates, they are excellent, depicting the Normans at the sites of their various campaigns. There are plates depicting Norman castles and ships, a Norman warrior courting a noble-lady, and the climatic Battle of Hastings.