(Updated 10th November 2003 to include all posts up to 9th November)
This post is a compilation of two threads detailing books recommended by the .org community relating to Medieval Europe and Roman history. I have now also tacked on a link to a thread detailing books on Japan relating to the Shogun Total War period (thanks to frogbeastegg). Each contributor is credited along with the books or website they recommended and their comments - thanks for making the effort to share the books you have enjoyed.
I may have edited the original posts slightly to fit them into a common format and some (especially those relating to Rome) are novels which may not be historically accurate, but are a good read nonetheless.
If you have books to contribute, then message me and I'll be happy to add them to the list.
Happy reading, this little lot should keep you busy for a while
BlackFireStorm.
BOOKS ON MEDIEVAL EUROPE
From BlackFireStorm:
Medieval Warfare: A History.
Edited by Maurice Keen.
A collection of essays on Medieval warfare from the Vikings forward 700 years. It pretty much perfectly covers the era that MTW and VI are set in and reveals some truths about how battles were fought and the development of siege warfare. Always readable, never stuffy, invaluable in order to get a deeper grasp of the era of MTW.
The Hundred Years War: Trial by Battle
Jonathan Sumption
Vol I of a history of the HYW, and it's a biggie. Delivered in a narrative style, it's fantastically readable (although knowledge of French and Latin would be a bonus sometimes). Sumption manages to portray the times in a clear and evocative way, first setting the scene in France and England before getting deeper into the politics, warfare and chicanery of the war. There is a second volume out (Trial by Fire) but I have as yet not read it. I also understand a third is on the way, if the authoris ever freed from his responsibilities in the Hutton Enquiry in the UK at the moment.
Saladin: The Politics of Holy War
Good view of Medieval times from the Muslim perspective, sometimes a little dry and tough to read, but well worth persevering. Essential research if you want to play a Muslim faction to the max.
From Dhepee:
The Art of War in the Middle Ages
CWC Oman
It is actually a very long essay written by a fellow of Oxford University. #It gives highly detailed and well researched descriptions of the tactics and stratgies employed throughout the Middle Ages by breaking it into three sections. #The early with a great description of the Byzantine Empires use of cavalry and archers. #The middle section describes the ascendency of the Knight on horseback in Western Europe. #It ends with the pike and the longbow. #His descriptions of all three are amazing and you can see the influence of his work on the game, especially how he delineates the various periods and the power units/regions in each. #Don't let its relatively small size fool you though, it is a demanding book, but it is one of the most satisfying.
A Distant Mirror
Barbara Tuchman
One of the defining works of medieval history of the last 50 years, IMO. #She traces the history of that apparently trying century by tying the history to the life and exploits of Enguerrand De Coucy, one of the most famous knights of his time. #The chapter on the Plague and its effects is one of the high points. #Also, her descriptions of warfare and how it changed in that century are very strong. #It is most interesting because it comes to its conclusion with the Battle of Nicopolis, a terrible defeat for the French and Christians, and one that they brought on themselves in her opinion. #It relies heavily on Froissert's Chronicles, which keeps in tied firmly to the primary source material and she is always careful to back up any speculations, assertions, or opinions with the historical record. #Definitely a book worth reading.
From Magnatz:
MODERN AUTHORS
History of the Crusades
Steven Runciman
This is a classic, both enthralling and informative. It has a very comprehensive and impartial account of the Crusades, with a lot of interesting side information.
Recommended. #
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Edward Gibbon
Huge narrative, from Trajan times to the fall of Constantinoples. The last four volumes cover Medieval period. Historically speaking it is probably dated, but it still makes for great reading, if you can handle the heavy Tacitian style.
#
History of the Byzantine Empire
Georgije Ostrogorski
Very terse, it mostly centers on politics and economics.
Mostly a reference book, but interesting anyway. #
How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe
Thomas Cahill
The title says it all. Short, extremely interesting, and delightful to read (no military stuff though). Go buy this book.
MEDIEVAL AUTHORS
These are interesting to read and usually short. It is possible to find the full text online for Marco Polo and Machiavelli, maybe for the other ones too. Look out for variations in the author names, ie Rodolphus-Rudolfus-Rudolph:
The Gothic Wars
Procopius
History of the terrible war waged by Byzanthium against the Goths for the possession of Italy. This was the worst war ever to be fought in Italy, and nobody won - at the end the Longobards just walked in the devastated country and took charge. #The account of the war was written by Procopius, the personal secretary of byzanthine general Belisarius.
Lot of military info.
(Procopius also wrote about the Vandalic and Persian wars of the same period, and is regarded as the probable author of the anonymous Secret History, a defamating libel against Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora) #
History of The Longobards #
Paulus Diaconus
Fun reading material, the Longobards were undisciplined SOBs and apparently spent all their free time in rebellions and adultery. Paulus (a Longobard himself) is a capable and intelligent writer too, which doesn't hurt.
History of the Franks
Gregory of Tours
Interesting insight on the birth of the HRE, seen by a Middle Age clerk. The stories on bishops competing for miracles and relics are enlightening (this is when the cult of saints took off in the West).
Chronicles of year 1000
Rodulfus Glaber
Same as above, with emphasis on miracles and divine punishment.
Il Milione
Marco Polo
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli
ANTHOLOGIES AND COMPILATIONS
Navigation and Travels
Giambattista Ramusio
Written in the 16th century, it is a HUGE compilation of ALL the most important books and reports written by travellers and ambassadors in India, China, Central Asia, Africa, North America ( ), South America, Middle East and Eastern Europe. To give a idea of how much it is big, the full text of Marco Polo's Il Milione is just a chapter in one of two volumes devoted to Asia #
Arab Historians of the Crusades
Francesco Gabrieli
This short antology collects the history of the Crusades, as reported by contemporanean Arab historians. Very interesting reading (my favorite is Usama bin Munqidh, who had a open mind and a great sense of humor, two qualities that were sadly missing in his western counterparts).
La Caduta di Costantinopoli
Agostino Pertusi
This one is in Italian, but I put it in the list anyway, in case someone stumbles on a English translation (I think there is a French one). The first volume is a collection of the first-hand stories written by many persons (soldiers, diplomatics, religious, historians, both Western and Turks) that were in Constantinople when the city fell to the Turks in 1453. The second volume contains letters, reports and documents #written in Europe after the news of the Turkish victory propagated, and samples of the many poems and popular songs inspired by the event. The books has also excellent notes on the military aspect of the siege (in addiction to the many first-hand descriptions in the text), city maps, and a day-by-day timeline.
This book is literally fascinating, ie expect to become ossessed with the Siege.
FICTION
The Name of the Rose
Umberto Eco
The one good book by Eco, too bad the movie murdered it. As a story it is worth reading by itself, and the incredible erudition of Eco makes it a must for medieval culture buffs.
BIOGRAPHIES
Frederick II
Ernst Kantorowicz
The life and times of Emperor Frederick II. Very readable, with a lot of side informations.
From Pindar:
Western Warfare in the Age of the Crusades 1000 - 1300
John France
Warfare, State and Society in the Byzantine World 565 - 1204
John Haldon
Warriors of the Steppe: A Military History of Central Asia 500 B.C. - 1700
Erik Hildinger
Armies of the Caliphs: Military society in Early Islamic State
Hugh Kennedy
Crusades through Arab Eyes
Amin Maalouf
From Aurelian:
The Art of Warfare in Western Europe in the Middle Ages: From the eighth century to 1340
JF Verbruggen
This is a fantastic study of medieval warfare. #Originally written in 1954, the newer editions have been revised and updated, but it still holds up as one of the best explorations of medieval tactics and military organization. #This was one of the first books to look at medieval warfare as something other then a bunch of loons charging each other. #Details numerous individual battles and explains how units operated tactically. #Also interesting because the author is Flemish and uses sources and examples that will probably be unfamiliar to most non-Flemish readers.
Sowing the Dragon's Teeth: Byzantine Warfare in the Tenth Century
Eric McGeer
This is a fairly recent work. #McGeer translates a couple of 10th century Byzantine military manuals, then provides an incredible commentary that explains in great detail how the Byzantine army of that era fought. #If you want to learn how to command a Byzantine army, this is the book that will explain it to you. #The Byzantine empire experienced a revival in the 10th century, reformed their armies, and used them to retake territory in the Balkans and in the Middle East. #A fascinating book for any wargamer, it provides a unique look at how a medieval army operated on the battlefield. #It also contains material on the Byzantium's contemporary enemies.
Maurice's Strategikon
Translated by George T. Dennis
The Strategikon is a classic. #Another Byzantine military manual, but describing the Byzantine army before the Islamic conquests. #Well worth reading, particularly the material describing how imperial forces should deal tactically with each of their probable foes: Franks, Persians, Slavs, and Turks. #The Strategikon doesn't contain the modern commentary that Sowing the Dragon's Teeth does, but the source material is essential reading. #
Infantry Warfare in the Early Fourteenth Century
Kelly Devries
Another recent book, Devries takes an in-depth look at the battles of the early fourteenth century. #Devries thesis is that this was the period when infantry warfare became dominant again on medieval battlefields. #Devries cites the experiences of the British longbow/dismounted men-at-arms system, the Swiss halberdiers, the Flemish pikemen, and the Catalan almughavars. #Another book for wargamers with an emphasis on individual battles.
Weapons and Warfare in Renaissance Europe
Bert S. Hall
For anyone interested in late medieval warfare and the transition to the age of gunpowder weapons, this is the book for you. #Very detailed analysis of early gunpowder technology. #I also enjoyed the discussion of how mounted pistoleers made medieval knights obsolete.
The Military Campaigns of the War of the Roses
Philip A. Haigh
I'm putting this book on the list because I believe it is the only book about the War of the Roses that looks at the conflict from the perspective of its campaigns and battles. #Normally, books on this subject are political/historical in nature. #By focusing on the military aspects of the struggle, this title makes the conflict much more understandable and readable. #It also makes incredible reading because each of the battles of the conflict was very distinct and involved some dramatic turn of fortune.
Warfare in the Classical World
John Warry
This is a truly great book for wargamers. #It covers classical warfare from archaic Greece until the later Roman empire. #A prime source for pictures of ancient warriors if you are interested in making bifs. #It also contains a very concise and complete political history of the ancient world. #The text is good enough that it was released in a separate version without illustration... but get the full color spectacle. #Available used on Amazon from around $13.00. #
Greece and Rome at War
Peter Connolly
The other great illustrated guide to warfare in the classical world. #Connolly focuses on classical Greece and the early Roman empire. #Very good discussion of how the legions operated in battle. #Available on Amazon bundled with Warfare in the Classical World. #Check out both.
Medieval Warfare Source Book
David Nicolle
Volume I: Warfare in Western Christendom
Volume 2: Christian Europe and its Neighbours
David Nicolle writes a large proportion of the Osprey books on medieval warfare. #Particularly those having to do with the Islamic world. #These two volumes are an encyclopedic look at the weapons, tactics, troop types and personalities of medieval warfare. #Heavily illustrated with period art, architecture and weaponry. #I'm particularly fond of the 2nd volume which includes sections on: Byzantines, Persians and Muslims 400-750, Christian Muslim Confrontation 750-1050, Turks, Mongols and the Rise of Russia 600-1400, Crusader, Reconquista and Counter-Crusade 1050-1400, and China, the Far East and India 400-1400. #Both volumes would be very valuable to anyone interested in modding MTW, or learning about the era.
From Carolus XII:
CHRONICLES OF THE BARBARIANS Firsthand Accounts of Pillage and Conquest, From the Ancient World to the Fall of Constantinople.
Edited by David Willis McCullough
THE BOOK OF THE MEDIEVAL KNIGHT
Stephen Turnball
This guy actually talks about Jinettes, Hobilars, and the like.
From Foreign Devil
Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages: The English Expierence
Micheal Prestwich
Challenging many common assumptions about the glamour of medieval warfare, this highly readable history recreates the real war expierence of thirteenth and fourteenth England. #Filled with anecdotes and illustrations, it examines how English medieval armies fought, how men were recruited, how the troops were fed, supplied and deployed, what new weapons were developed, and what structure was set in place for military command -Taken from the back cover
If you at all enjoy this game, I highly reccomend this book. #Unlike many other historical books on this period, this one is ONLY about the military aspects - and not so much the events.
From Reconquistador:
Vagabond
Bernard Cornwall
This isnt so much a technical book or enclyopedia of how to wage your own crusade but its still a dam good Medieval book with several references to things in MTW. There are other books in the series, but I haven't read them.
From Russ Mitchell:
The Song of the Cathar Wars: A History of the Albigensian Crusades
Translated by Janet Shirley
(translation of William of Tudela and his successor. #Ashgate, 1996.
Am recommending for two reasons: #one, although it won't demonstrate any spiffy mtw tactics, it gives a very good idea of the way the sieges occur. #Also, it's one of the most readable chronicle translations I've read in a long time, MUCH more so than a lot of others... those of you who are looking for something that really shows the flavor of the time, and the mentalities... this is a good one.
From Furunculus:
Dungeon Fire & Sword
John J. Robinson
Book focused on the Templars
A History of Warfare
John Keegan
Britains best military historian on all periods of war
The Knights Templar: A new History
Helen Nicholson
Again the Templars
War cruel and sharp: English strategy under Edward III
Clifford Rogers
English war
Warrior Race: A history of the British at war
Lawrence James
very good, but spans all British history.
From Kurlander:
The Making of Byzantium, 600-1025
Mark Whittow
Hardcover: 477 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.25 x 9.00 x 5.75
Publisher: University of California Press; (November 1999)
ISBN: 0520204964
An excellent source on the respective period giving an interesting perspective on Byzantine neighbors such as Bulgars, Khazars, Magyars, Khazars, Rus, etc.
From frogbeastegg:
Medieval military costume recreated in colour photographs
Gerry Embleton
It is what the title suggests and is worth reading if you have an interest in medieval warfare.
Web Links:
Books on the War of the Roses:
http://www.dropbears.com/b/broughsbo...wars_roses.htm (thanks Magnatz)
Very comprehensive Medieval books website:
http://www.deremilitari.org (thanks Russ Mitchell)
Online Classical and Medieval Library. It contains texts ranging from the time of Homer to the Late Medieval period.
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/OMACL/ (thanks Morten Viking)
BOOKS ON ROME
From Aurelian:
Julian
Gore Vidal
Excellent novel about Julian the Apostate. #Besides fighting the Germans on the Rhine and launching an invasion of Persia, Julian tried to resist the complete Christianization of the Empire.
The Antagonists (also published as Masada)
I can't remember the author's name, but this is the novel that the early 1980's mini-series Masada was based on. #Tells the story of the siege of the desert mountain fortress Masada where the remaining Jewish Zealot forces held out against the Romans after the fall of Jerusalem. #The story is told through the eyes of the Roman and Zealot commanders.
I, Claudius and Claudius the God
Robert Graves
Based on Suetonius Lives of the Twelve Caesars, these two novels tell the story of the first ruling dynasty of the Roman Empire from Augustus to the ascension of Nero. #Classics. #Turned into a BBC mini-series in the 1970's.
Belisarius
Robert Graves
Somewhat similar to I, Claudius in that it relies heavily on ancient texts. #Belisarius is the story of the great Roman general who, during the reign of Justinian, retook Africa and Italy for the empire (from the Vandals and Ostrogoths).
He Died Old
Alfred Duggan
This is the story of Mithridates of Pontus and how he defied Rome through three wars during the late Republic. #More popular history than novel, but quite good.
From Eddeduck:
Conquest of Gaul
Caesar
I'm reading this at the moment, its not a novel but Im finding it extreamly interesting to see his side. #It gives an account of the tactics of the battles as well as the political exchanges that took place. #I also find it very easy to read. #The edition I have was published by Penguin Classics. It is about 50 years old but might still be on sale somewhere.
From Motorhead:
Caesar's Legion
Stephen Dando Collins
The book follows the military career of Caesar and follows his elite 'Legio X' past his death to about 120 A.D. Very honest in pointing out where events are supported and others are mere speculation due to lack of sources.
Caesar Against the Celts
Ramon Jimenez
Just started reading this, so far it doesn't read as well as the previous history.
From Frogbeastegg:
Greece and Rome at War
Peter Connolly
An excellent illustrated guide to warfare in the Ancient world by a highly respected author. It is somewhat out of date now but it contains a vast amount of information and gives a good overview of the eras.
A history of Rome
Marcel Le Glay
This book is available in both English and French with French being the original text. The book covers Rome from primitive Italy to the collapse of the empire. An overview of the important events and characters is partnered by several sections on religion, daily life, slavery and so on. This is the best, and most informative, general history of Rome I have read.
Egypt, Greece and Rome
Charles Freeman
The title is deceptive as the book is mostly on Rome, the other two civilisations have good sections but Rome gets the bulk of the pages. Once again this is a general overview of Roman history and society and it is aimed at university level students. Several well thought of lecturers have added in sections on their specialties so you get multiple opinions on many topics.
The Oxford Classical Dictionary Third Edition
Edited by Hornblower and Spawforth
This is what the name suggests - a dictionary containing
names, dates, events, terms, and essays on topics like religion, law, women etc and at 1640 pages it is quite complete. Most classical historians have a copy of this somewhere.
The Oxford History of the Classical World
Boardman, Griffin and Murray
This is a companion volume to the dictionary and it covers pretty much everything in the Classical world. It is not the most in-depth volume I have read but it is a good read. It is also very well illustrated with photographs.
Chronicle of the Roman emperors
Chris Scarre
A handy one book reference to each and every Roman emperor to sit on the imperial throne. It contains good information and has at least one picture of each emperor taken from their official portrait busts.
From Mangatz:
Letters Of Pliny
Secundus Plinius
Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, known as Pliny the Younger, #was appointed governor of #Bithynia in the 1st century AD. He catalogued his corrispondence, both with his friends and family and with emperor Trajan. The letters he sent to Trajan and the emperor's answers are expecially interesting, because Pliny had the habit to ask for approval and suggestions even on minor points of his policy, so we get to see how it was to be a Roman governor (or an emperor) in Trajan #times.
(warning: clueless people that take seriously the current Romans were evil fad could be surprised...)
Online edition here: http://www.underthesun.cc/Classic....ex.html
From Carolus XII:
All are large format and lavishly illustrated. #They are from THE MILITARY BOOK CLUB.
FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF THE ANCIENT WORLD #300bc-ad500
Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics
Simon Anglum,Phyllis G. Jestice,Rob S. Rice, Scott M. Rusch, John Serrati
THE COMPLETE ROMAN ARMY
Adrian Goldsworthy
THE WARS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS
Author unknown...as I loaned my copy to someone
From Wisky:
Julius Caesar- Man, Soldier and Tyrant
J.F.C Fuller. Maj General(RET)
This one is a must from an authoritative figure....
From _Hector_:
The Battle that Stopped Rome
Peter S. Wells
A very insightful book for Roman civ. An excellent analyis that focuses on the slaughter of the romans legions in the Teutoburg Forest.
From L'zard:
Ceasar and Christ
Will Durant
Pub: 1944, simon and schuster; LoC#: 36-10016)
Not as religiously oriented as the title would seem. Good overview starting at 800bc. Several sections concern campaigns in different periods of Rome's history. Covers everything from the formation of the Roman empire to day-to-day life, to military campaigns of 'famous' generals. Good on general overview for all periods of rome.
ROMAN FICTION
From frogbeastegg:
All of the Falco series
Lindsay Davis
This is a series of very witty detective novels set in the reign of Vespasian. The plebeian Marcus Didius Falco is the detective (or more accurately the informer) and his patrician girlfriend Helena Justina is the other half of the outfit, these stories are well written and reasonably accurate for novels. Start with The Silver Pigs as the series runs in order from there.
The SPQR series
John Maddox Roberts
Once again these are mystery books set in Rome, but this time in Rome republic during the life of Julius Caesar. At the start of the series Caesar is just another Roman but he gradually gains power as the books pass, making this an interesting way to read up on the last days of the Republic. They are not too bad as far as accuracy is concerned and they are very enjoyable, if a little hard to find outside of the USA. I got mine (in the UK) from Amazon.co.uk
From Dux of Earl:
First Man of Rome Series:
Colleen McCullough
The First Man of Rome
The Grass Crown
Fortune's Favorites
Caesar's Women
Caesar
The October Horse
I suggest that you read them in the order above.. Domina McCullough is quite possibly the BEST fictional author I have ever read on the topic of Roman history in the late Republican - Early Imperial period... her research and attention to detail is head and shoulders above everyone else.. except for Livius, Polybius, etc...
BOOKS ON JAPAN
See the thread elsewhere in these forums at:
Books on Japan
Web Links:
From Robbie-san
Kodansha : www.thejapanpage.com
Charles Tuttle : www.tuttlepublishing.com
Bushido Online : www.bushido-online.com
Samurai Archives : www.samurai-archives.com
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