The Age of Charlemagne (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

by David Nicolle (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator) "The Carolingian dynasty traced its origins back to a political alliance between Pepin of Landen (called 'the Old') and Bishop Arnulf of Metz in the..." (more)
Key Phrases: infantry levy, mail hauberk, armoured cavalry, Carolingian Empire, Central Asian, Charles Martel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Most historians agree that the Carolingian Age, from the 8th to 10th centuries AD, represented one of the most important turning points in European history. It can be said with some certainty that early Carolingian military success was built on good leadership, adequate administration, and troops whose morale was almost consistently superb. It is also clear that the Carolingian army managed to adapt itself to face many and differing foes. This absorbing text by David Nicolle explores the organisation and history of the Carolingian Empire during the age of one of history's most romanticised and heroic figures - Charlemagne.

From the Publisher
Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; 2nd Reprint edition (July 26, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085045042X
• ISBN-13: 978-0850450422
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #856,304 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent concise overview of the period., August 16, 2006

By	oakheart (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

_The Age of Charlemagne_ offers an excellent concise overview of the political and military history of the Carolingian Empire. David Nicolle, perhaps Osprey's top author on medieval subjects, gives the usual Osprey coverage of the military development and organization of the era, in this case the gradual introduction of stirrups to western Europe and the rise of early fighting cavalry. However, perhaps due to the paucity of historical material on these topics, Nicolle also includes a brief but thorough history of the Empire itself. The factors cited for its fall in the early 900s CE include encroachment by Saracens and Magyars, raids by Vikings, and the inability of the offense-designed Carolingian military system to adapt to a defensive role. _The Age of Charlemagne_ details the military history of this early medieval period and provides a valuable overview of the political history as well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect introduction, June 22, 2007

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

This review is from: The Age of Charlemagne (Trade Editions) (Paperback)

Another wonderful men-at-arms book produced by the union of David Nicolle's detailed examination of politics, military organization, and armament and Angus McBride's flawless and exciting artwork. This book not only discusses the adventures of the Carolingian Empire in the 9th and 10th Centuries, but also looks at its Avar, Slavic, Germanic, Italian, and Muslim foes.