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Medieval Warfare: A History

by Maurice Keen (Editor)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
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This finely illustrated book explores over seven hundred years of European warfare, from the time of Charlemagne through to the end of the Crusades. The period covered has a distinctive character in military history, being an age when organization for war was integral to social structure, when the secular aristocrat was by necessity also a warrior, and whose culture was profoundly influenced by martial ideas. Twelve scholars, each expert in his own field, have contributed to this survey, which is is divided into two parts. Part I seeks to explore the experience of war viewed chronologically with separate chapters on, for instance, the Viking age, the wars and expansion of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the Crusades, and the great Hundred Years War between England and France. The chapters in Part II trace thematically the principal developments in the art of warfare. In both parts of the book, the overall aim has been to offer the reader an impression, not just of the where and the when of great confrontations, but above all of the social experience of warfare in the middle ages, and of the impact of its demands on human resources.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0192801279
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0192801272
  3. Publisher
    Oxford University Press
  4. Publication date
    October 17, 2002
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    6.25 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  7. Print length
    348 pages
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

`All the essays in this book are of a high standard ... there is not a single dud in the whole collection: each contributor tells us something new, original or interesting ... books like this reveal the quality of the academic research currently under way.' Frank McLynn, Literary Review`This is popular history that can be confidently endorsed by the academic community ... it is heavily and superbly illustrated ... and highly authorative , bang up to date with the latest research. All in all, a near perfect introduction to medieval warfare.' Sean McGlynn, Medieval Life.`A volume which attempts to make the fruits of modern research available to a wider public (therefore) seems timely ... an organised and visually attractive introduction to the subject.' Len Scales, Jnl of the Society of Archevists, Vol.21, No.2. 2000.`anyone seeking a handy digest of modern work on medieval warfare, particularly its political, organisational and technological aspects, will find things of value here.' Len Scales, Jnl of the Society of Archevists, Vol.21, No.2, 2000.

About the Author

Maurice Keen is Tutorial Fellow in Medieval History at Balliol College, University of Oxford

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press (October 17, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 348 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0192801279
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0192801272
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
32 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

John
5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult read, but worth the effort because of all ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2018
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Difficult read, but worth the effort because of all the detailed information. Lots of facts parsed into each sentence. A real eye opener!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2017
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Collection of essays about numerous subjects. Covers many topics and theories medieval warfare from different aspects. Has recent info about current opinions. Well worth adding to any history buffs library.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2017
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Wonderful book, full of careful, well-researched conclusions!
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robert lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2015
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Great book, a plus to my collection of the Hundred Years War.
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Aman
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview for New and Veteran readers!
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2017
Agree with others that this is a great overview. It helps the reader see the larger picture of warfare during this period as well as differentiate by era and area the activities and trends in both politics and military developments that affected one another. I think newbies will get a lot out of it, and veterans will enjoy the clarity of writing and vision, as well as the excellent bibiolography which is well organized by topic and geographic areas. I got it out from the library, but will seriously consider purchasing it in the future. Some more info is at my blog, "Spear to the Strife".
One person found this helpful
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FrKurt Messick
5.0 out of 5 stars Huzzah!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2003
In 'Medieval Warfare: A History', Maurice Keen, a fellow in Medieval History at Balliol Oxford (a college I attended briefly for lectures while I lived in Britain) has edited a superb compilation of essays, from a worthy collection of scholars from British and Irish Colleges, with one contributor from West Point.
The book is divided into two broad categories: The Phases of Medieval Warfare, and The Arts of Warfare. This collection spans nearly a millenium of warfare in the European theatre and environs including Vikings, Crusades, French & English wars, and Charlemagne. There are investigations of tactics, strategies, politics, technology and weaponry innovations, and the growing importance of navigation and naval warfare. Each essay has accompanying illustrations and photographs, and this slim volume is a worthy addition to any medieval or military historian's library as a survey of medieval warfare.
Keen's analysis is insightful, showing how developments in the medieval arts of war led to the the drive toward colonisation that has made the world's political geography what it is today. The essays work well at illuminating the subject, yet each essay has its own integrity.
As Keen writes in the preface: 'Warfare was a formative influence on the civilisation and the social structures of the European middle ages. Its history in that period is in consequence of high significance alike for those who are interested in the middle ages for themselves and for their legacy, and for those whose interest is in war and its place in the story of human development. '
There are many theories of the development of history -- one of the strongest theories of history through much of history is that warfare is one of the primary driving forces, for social change, for political change, and for technological change.
Keen pulls together in the last few paragraphs the themes of many of the essays, pointing the direction toward modern warfare.
This is a book worthy of Oxford Press.
30 people found this helpful
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K. Patton
2.0 out of 5 stars What you get is more like the ultra dry reading of a textbook
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2017
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Not what I was looking for. This is a collection of scholarly essays of different aspects of Medieval Warfare. It was written at a high level. I was hoping for more something along the lines of a work by Keegan. What you get is more like the ultra dry reading of a textbook. That is what it reads like. The chapter on Arms, Armour and Horses for instance, would you presume be an interesting read. Not so. The Author goes into detail on horses to some extent, but did not touch much at all on the evolution of swords, pole arms, or other edged weapons and how it changed the way wars were fought. The same for Armour. I dwelt more on how the three served to elevate the nobles above the commoners which is pretty old and threadbear stuff.
No discussion was made at all of how the lesser soldiers faired after battle.
Again it was just the same old high level stuff, very dry and only of interest to someone who wants a general overview.
5 people found this helpful
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Justin the hermit
5.0 out of 5 stars great overview
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2014
this is a great book on warfare in the middle ages and a good companion to oxford vikings an illustrated history,scotland a history oxford, medieval europe oxford history, and anglo saxon warfare. gives a quick overview and some insights into europe during the middle ages. would like oxford to publish a good book describing weapons and war machines along with strategy and tactics on the battlefield. give lots of illustrations with it. but a fine start for any medieval and middle ages historians. does cover alot of territory.after all the battles are the best bits. semper fidelis and stand sure andersons macdonalds and parrys and terrys rock. mighty oak also a big help for geneaologists of north and west europe.
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Top reviews from other countries

jaappe
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2019
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good book in excellent condition ,as new ,very good price quick delivery
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