The Art of Warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages from the Eighth Century (Warfare in History) [Paperback]

J.F. Verbruggen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2002 | Series: Warfare in History

For medieval strategy and tactics there is nothing better than this book. MILITARY HISTORY (US) Warfare is a major feature of the history of the middle ages, but its study has often been the province of amateurs; only recently have the technical details of warfare and its organisation been subject to proper scholarly investigation. Professor Verbruggen's major work, outstanding in its field, applies rigorous standards in analysing often very obscure surviving evidence, and reaches conclusions very different from earlier generations of military historians. He begins by analysing the sources for our knowledge of the military history of the period, assessing their reliability: some chroniclers exaggerate, others are careful observers or have access to official records. There follows an examination of the constituent parts of the medieval army, knights and footsoldiers, equipment and terms of service, behaviour on the field, and psychology, before the problematic question of medieval tactics is addressed through analysis of accounts of a series of major battles. Strategy is discussed in the context of these battles: whether to seek battle, fight a defensive war, or attempt a war of conquest.Originally published in Dutch in 1954, now translated and updated.J.F. VERBRUGGENis a distinguished Belgian military historian of wide experience. Prisoner of war, student, and a member of the resistance movement during the second world war, he subsequently obtained his Ph.D., with greatest distinction, for research into warfare in the middle ages, and remained in the army as a lecturer at the Royal Military School in Brussels until in 1956 he went to the Belgian Congo. He spent twenty years teaching in Africa, retiring as Professor of History, University of Congo, and University of Bujumbura (Burundi) in 1976.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Dutch (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 410 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851155707
• ISBN-13: 978-0851155708
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #520,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Biological & Chemical

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Information, Tough Read, June 28, 2004

By 

Steve Phallen (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages from the Eighth Century (Warfare in History) (Paperback)

This book is a thorough study of the warfare of this age. It includes good information on the psychological state of the combatants and the development of different tactics throughout the time period. Much effort is spent dissecting the different uses of knights and foot troops with descriptions of battles as support. I read a lot of military history, but this book is a tough read. It is more like a reference work than anything else and the organzition within the chapters could be better. I recommend this only to the most ardent history buffs.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaves no subject untouched !, July 31, 2004

By 

O. Elport "Anton Elport" (Israel) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages from the Eighth Century (Warfare in History) (Paperback)

This book covers such a wide period of time and stretches across a great area of land and battlefields, that I was doubtful that a complete understanding of the period could emerge from this single work. I was very wrong. Although a bit hard to read at some points the writing is relevant, conclusive and leaves no "open-ended" ideas.

One thing missing though is a map of Europe with the place names of that time. besides this, a great work on medieval warfare. If you only plan to read a single book on the subject, this is the one !

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on subject I've read, January 10, 2002

By 

Joseph R. Vandevander (Fairmont, WV USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The art of warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages: From the eighth century to 1340 (Europe in the Middle Ages) (Hardcover)

Granted, the scope of this work doesn't allow for much detail, but Verbruggen's explaination of events that revolutionized warfare are thorough and well-reasoned. Also, Verbruggen debunks the myth that warfare in this period was near total anarchy with little rhyme or reason. Make time for this one!