Customer Reviews

Warfare in Feudal Europe, 730-1200

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This not the great and definititve work on feudal warfare, nor does it claim to be- but rather a general overview of the period and how feudal warfare evolved in different regions of Europe and Mediterrenean. Unfortunately, the author often notes an event, fact, or happening-but declines to provide greater detail or some of the underlying analysis. But if you want to get the basics, and have your appetite wetted for the real dope on warfare and military history of that period-start reading and be prepared to pick up several more volumes from various authors once you are done.

While somewhat dated, Beeler's book is a handy introduction to the medieval art of war. The main drawback to this book is an emphasis on English and French practice and campaigns, though this problem is not unique to Beeler. Not as detailed as Contamine's "War in the Middle Ages," though much more readable.

A good general history of the period, but focusing mainly on the later centuries. Covers the collective history of France, the German kingdoms, Britain, Spain, Syria, and Italy.

Although the author points out that it is a history of "feudal" Europe, he seems to focus on how much wasn't feudal in the period. It seems as if not one chapter goes by where he doesn't mention the fact that the system in place was similar to feudalism, but was in fact not it.

There is also constant mention of how many of the facts of the period can go unverified, and how it is impossible to determine the exact numbers in battles, seiges, etc. I understand the fact and it's valid, but brining it up every dozen pages does get a bit old.

All in all, I think it was a good book for someone interested in a general history of the different feudal and pseudo-feudal systems on Europe during 700-1200AD. It also contains interesting bits of military and political history alongside it, which is very appealing.