Art of Warfare in Western Europe During the Middle Ages: From the Eight Century to 1340 (Warfare in History) [Hardcover]

J. F. Verbruggen (Author), Verbruggen (Author), J. F. Vergruggen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Warfare in History | Publication Date: February 1997

This is a translation and revision of a work first published in Dutch in 1954 which provides an examination of medieval warfare in Western Europe. It begins by analyzing the sources for our knowledge of the military history of the period, and assesses their reliability. It then considers the constituent parts of the medieval army, knights and foot-soldiers, equipment and terms of service, behaviour on the field, and psychology, before addressing the question of medieval tactics through an 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.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Dutch

Product Details

• Hardcover: 388 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press; 2 Revised edition (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851156304
• ISBN-13: 978-0851156309
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,751,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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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!