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Thread: Books on Medieval Europe and Rome

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    Member Member BlackFireStorm's Avatar
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    (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
    Last edited by Gregoshi; 09-12-2005 at 03:32. Reason: Formatting

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    Member Member Taillefer's Avatar
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    BlackFireStorm,

    Your update includes a comprehensive compilation of references and links - plenty to get the teeth into there.

    Will start with The Art of Warfare in the Middle Ages ...'

    Thanks to all those who have shared this with us.

    Cheers.

    Taillefer.
    Tis not what we think we are,
    But what we think, we are.

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    Member Member RodeRidder's Avatar
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    Hey everybody Been reading these forums casually for a long time, but have just now decided to start posting.

    That´s a great list, I really need to get some new books and I think those will be on the top of my list Anywho, I thought I´d throw in a good book too.

    [B]The Devil´s Horseman[B]: The Mongol Invasion of Europe By James Chambers.
    Once I started reading it I really had trouble putting it down. It´s a thorough, but not so heavily detailed book that it bogs you down, story of how the Mongols almost took over Europe. It´s really very interesting and there´s a whole lot of info in it that I had absolutely no idea about before I had read it. Anyways, I´d highly recommend it if you´re interested in that chunk of history
    I only advocated war as a means of peace. Ulysses S. Grant

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    Member Member ROCKHAMMER's Avatar
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    Great reading list. I have most of these in my Private collection but I see a few I don't so I will have to check them out.Some others which mat be of interest are

    1) Caesar, Hannibal or Alexander by Theodore Arault Dodge detailing the campaigns and lives of these 3 Great Leaders of Men.

    2) Warlords by Tim Newark detailing famous warlords of the ancient, celtic and medieval time periods.

    3)Medieval Warfare:A History by Maurice Keen detailing different subjects of Medieval warfare and listing examples.

    Enjoy--ROCKHAMMER
    Eigi Eru Enn Allir Jomsvikingar daudhir
    (Not Yet Are All the Jomsvikings Dead)

  5. #5

    Thumbs up

    try amazon.co.uk or ospreypublishing.com they have some of the finest collections of books especially amazon on ancient/medieval warfare around if they havent got it nobody has? been reading about the genoalogy of the mongols and the various hypothesis on there origins. back to the donghu and xiongnu. the warring state periods 475/221 b.c.
    and the first great nomadic leader touman chanyu.the donghu were a loose confederation of tungusic speaking tribes. while the xiongnu were [the huns]touman chanyu led the xiongnu during the early han dynasty.the donnghu and xiongnu constantly invaded north china and forced the states of yan/zhao and qin to build fortifaction walls along their northern borders

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    Moderator Moderator Gregoshi's Avatar
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    Hello RodeRidder and ROCKHAMMER. Welcome to the Org and many thanks for the contributions to our growing list of recommended reading.
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    Member Member ROCKHAMMER's Avatar
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    Thank You for the welcome , Gregoshi. I'm glad to be a part of this forum for such a GREAT game and hope that I can contribute in some way.... Thanks again for the welcome
    Eigi Eru Enn Allir Jomsvikingar daudhir
    (Not Yet Are All the Jomsvikings Dead)

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    hannibal/ernie bradford/. late roman cavalryman-236-565ad simon macdowall/. the crusades-robert payne./ warriors of ancient greece-nicholas sekunda/. twlight of the empire-[roman infantryman 3rd-6th century ad] simon macdowall/. the agincourt war- lt-col alfred h. burne/ genghis khan history of the world conqueror-by ata malik juvaini. /genghis khan -michel hoang. well worth a look

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    Member Member Theodoret's Avatar
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    A Short History of Byzantium
    - Lord Norwich

    A good overview of the history of the Eastern Roman Empire from Constantine the Great to Constantine XI.

    A History of England Before the Norman Conquest
    - Sir Charles Oman
    Covers everything from the Ice Age to 1066, but really focuses on early medieval England under the Anglo-Saxons.

    The Twelve Caesars
    - Suetonius

    A good overview of the first eleven Emperors of Rome, and of Julius Caesar. Suetonius had full access to the Imperial archieves when he was working for the Emperor Hadrian.

    Lives
    - Petrach

    Very good overview of a number of prominent Roman and Greek statesmen. His works on the leading lights of the Roman Civil Wars is particularly interesting. Of course, as a philosopher he tends to draw moral conclusions.

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    Member Member BlackFireStorm's Avatar
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    Thanks for the new book recommendations guys. Can you please ensure you include a brief synopsis of the books you recommend to give a feel for the content - a couple of sentences is normally enough - see the original post for the format.

    Cheers,

    BFS.

  11. #11

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    genghis khan the history of the world conqueror.
    by ata malik juvaini.

    true accounts from the mongol courts in persia by juvaini.
    he knew personally many of the chief actors in the dramatic stories he told.
    he enjoyed the confidence of hulegu.
    so a book by an historian who was there and wel respected.


    secret history of the mongols.

    needs no introduction this one one of only two books this the second one written by mongol chronicles the first chronicle being [altan debter] the book of gold. rather awkward reading due to the number of translations persian/chinese and it was translated from fragmented transcripts of the original texts .
    the text for both these books seems to have been intended for genghis khans family only.
    a fact that explains the title.translated and edited by francis woodman cleaves but reads more like a story or tale than an informitive book.

    both books can still be purchased as i have checked this out.






  12. #12

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    1/ alexander the great.
    and the logistics of the macedonian army.

    donald w. engels
    this book deals with the logistical problems faced by alexander.from the amout of grain consumed in one to alexanders march rates/ approximate troop rates from all his conquests. tables and maps.
    includes all the regions countries marched through. and includes the bematists measurements.
    and deals with the amount of water food consumed by the army/animals/ slaves/ servants during his campaigns.


    2/ byzantium and its army 284-1081/ warren treadgold.

    this deals with arms soldiers payscales estimated budgets etc has plenty maps but not read it properly yet.

    3/hannibal/hard back/ernie bradford.
    hannibal enemy of rome/leonard cotterell.

    both books cover roughly the same story with enemy of rome tending to be a bit more specfic as regards battles./ but casualty rates vary especially cannae weres as the latter quotes 80.000 casualtys both sides?

    picked all four up for 30£ from a cracking second hand book dealer/shop.








  13. #13
    Member Member Chancellor Rolin's Avatar
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    http://epublishingcorp.com/articlesR...h/N-huizig.htm

    Edit: made link clickable - Gregoshi
    BTW, welcome Chancellor.





  14. #14
    Member Member spud_gun's Avatar
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    Punic Wars by Adrian Goldsworthy (Amazon.co.uk) is also supposed to be a very good book, although I havn't read it yet

    There, how's that for a first post

  15. #15
    Amir of the office desk Member Cebei's Avatar
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    It on the list though, but I cant overemphasize the book of Steven Runciman on History of the Crusades.
    When the game ends, peon and king go into the same box.

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    i am lucky in the sense that there is a secondhand book dealer were i live.i picked up the first punic war[j.f.lazenby/the knight in medieval england1000-1400[peter
    coss].the punic wars/[brian caven]./alexander volume one[theodore ayrault dodge]. medieval warfare[h. w. koch]. and hannibal [serge lancel]. for 50£ i have used amazon but had to wait three months for an order that said i did get the books. if anyone requires a book and does not mind a second hand copy and are struggling to get hold of a copy. i can always try this dealer and see if he has/can obtain a copy for you.

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    Well, not that this has to do with Medieval Warfare, but I'd recommend

    Cantebury Tales, by William Chaucer. Written in 1100ce, its the 2nd english peice of literature ever to be found, and the first brilliant peice of satire coming from the english language.

    Its a great critique of the Catholic church. I love it to bits. (actually, I just got it for christmas)

  18. #18

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    http://www.abebooks.com/ this this book company has links/acsess to over 45 million books[various] . and at very good secondhand/new prices to. provides links to other book dealers who sell through them for a small commision or you can deal with the vender/s direct a lot of books can be obtained secondhand or new and covers from ancient through to medievial time periods. and deals with very rare expensive examples to one that are just hard to get hold off. there are books dealing with the mongols/ghenghis attila/vandals visigoths. weapons armour tatics the muslim world/ crusades/ ancient china/ persian empire covers just about every book on the subjects mentioned from rare first editions to books out of print. if books that are not yet published better to deal with amazon or some one like osprey military publishers. but abebooks.com should cover must of your needs as regards books already in print. hope its of use to everyone.





  19. #19
    Member Member Pruneau's Avatar
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    Some great info here. I just managed to convince the missus that we need a few new books on history

    My order to amazon is out, ordered the Trial by fire books and a used hardcover version of medieval warfare

    I need so little to be happy
    ~~~~~~~~
    ~Pruneau~
    ~~~~~~~~

  20. #20

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    try http://www.abebooks.com you don,t have to buy direct from them as a lot of dealers advertise on the site.the bowman of england/donald featherstone/paper back £5.00

    i like amazon but not the waiting times for books. three months for SOME i waited




  21. #21
    Member Member Pruneau's Avatar
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    Good tip, that abebooks company. They have some excellent offers, collectable hardcover books for € 10. Not exactly new but still very good. I ordered a book from them as well and will relate my experience.
    ~~~~~~~~
    ~Pruneau~
    ~~~~~~~~

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    If you go to this link SPQR SITE and click the ancient Rome link in the barracks you will find some very good information on Rome, there is also a section on Greece and Egypt.

    .........Cali
    SPQR CALIGULA

  23. #23

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    Quote Originally Posted by [b
    Quote[/b] (Pruneau @ Jan. 12 2004,08:08)]Good tip, that abebooks company. They have some excellent offers, collectable hardcover books for € 10. Not exactly new but still very good. I ordered a book from them as well and will relate my experience.
    a nice tip .you do not have to order from abe books find out who the seller is and deal with him direct. a lot of book dealers collectors advertise on the site. so if you find the book you want just scroll down the list of seller,s and contact them direct. thus cutting out the middle man[abe books]

  24. #24
    Member Member Pruneau's Avatar
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    Is that as safe as buying through abe and amazon? Anyway my package arrived today, but I was out, I will get it tomorrow morning, but still that is impressive, from US to Belgium in 3 days for $3.
    ~~~~~~~~
    ~Pruneau~
    ~~~~~~~~

  25. #25
    Member Member Pruneau's Avatar
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    OK I received my Medieval Warfare: A history by mail today. It was in mint condition, very well packed too. One thing that was not OK: it wasa paperback version, although it was announced as a hardcover. I'll get in touch with the seller to find out exactly what went wrong.

    My book I ordered from Amazon is gonna take 6 weeks for delivery. I bet they are having it handwritten by a monk :)
    ~~~~~~~~
    ~Pruneau~
    ~~~~~~~~

  26. #26

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    attila king of the huns/the man and the myth/hard cover/mint
    patrrick howarth.

    ordered sunday got tuesday.can,t complain at that well done abe books




  27. #27
    Member Member crimsoncastle's Avatar
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    There is a 1999 printing of the classic medieval military book - THE BOOK OF DEEDS OF ARMS AND OF CHIVALRY by Christine de Pizan. Its quite comprehensive and covers the treatment of prisoners of war, civilian militia, siege warfare, honorable conduct on the battlefield.

    Its translated by Sumner Willard (an ex- army general).
    ____
    The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that benefit anyone? (The Bible)

  28. #28
    Member Member Aleksandr Nevsky's Avatar
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    I just posted a new topic about this in the Monastery.

    The Internet Medieval Sourcebook has a lot of resources that are all web-based. Primary sources from the middle ages, maps and pictures too.
    Marauder of the Legion of Independent Buccaneers

  29. #29
    Member Member Chubb's Avatar
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    Someone mentioned the Grail Quest series by Bernard Cornwell: It is a trilogy about an English longbowman searching for the Holy Grail: It gets pretty complicated so that's the basic plot. But there are some great battle scenes especially Crecy in the first book, Harlequin, and in Vagabond. The concluding book is called Heretic, and that is much smaller in scale but has the Black Death in it. The first book is imo the best. Cornwell also wrote a series on Arthur which is full of dark-age atmosphere and a druid-style Merlin. The guy is great on battle and always has been, but recently he has gotten really good at character... As someonewho is tolerably well read, I can say his book are among my favorites.
    And gentlemen in England now a-bed
    Shall think themselves accursed that they were not here
    And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
    That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's Day

    Henry V

  30. #30

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    i have a free copy [to anyone who wants it]byzantium and its army 284-1081] i ordered by mistake it covers mainly logisticals so first come first served hopefully first reply he is english. cutdown on costs of postage i will email you than you email address than i wil post out at no cost cant be farer than that

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