Customer Reviews

The Wars of the Roses (Osprey Trade Editions)

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This volume in Osprey's limitless Men at Arms series offers an excellent overall reference on the battles and the arms and armor of this late 15th-century civil war. The breakdown of law that resulted from the existing system of hiring soldiers is explained, as well as its repercussions on the conflict. Small maps are included for all the major battles, including Towton, Tewkesbury, Hexham, Barnet, and Bosworth. The discussion of equipment includes several subtleties, such as the correct origin of the term "pole axe" and the dubious historical value of medieval harnesses of plate assembled by later collectors.

The copy I have is the Osprey Men at Arms title written in 1983, but the pages are identical to the ones shown here. Let's face it...there are scores of books on the War of the Roses. This one gives a good visual grasp of the conflict, and impresses the reader with the sheer slaughter perpetrated...twenty-five percent losses to the cream of English nobility. There are some decent descriptions of battles and the armor and weapons used. Especially of interest is the section on the systems of recruitment and organization of the armies.A long period of chaos and dynastic struggle in English history, finally brought to an end with the House of Tudor. My first Men at Arms title purchased, years ago, so I am somewhat fond of this one. They still need help in the map department. History books without decent maps should be a punishable offense. S'wounds!