Book recommendations

[Lorenzo_H]

Hello.

After searching for some time, I have found some books which deal with the Medieval (and a few on the Roman) period of History. I can thoroughly recommend the following on their informative, absorbing and entertaining style:

Medieval Period

"The Renaissance at War" by Thomas Arnold. Particularly good for those interested in the Late Medieval period. Deals with gunpowder and how it's introduction was controversial. Also; why disciplined Pikemen trained in ancient Greek and Roman fashion were the way forward in the 1500s. Read about Swiss Pikemen and how valuable they were. Read about Cross vs Crescent wars, and the powerful Spanish Habsburgs. Illustrations are contemprary woodcuts, engravings and paintings in colour, all fully explained and appropriately placed. Includes maps and battle plans, both in colour and vivid.

"Conquistadors" by Michael Wood. Shows how Cortes, who landed in the new world with less than 300 Spaniards and 13 horses, and Pizzaro with less than 200 Europeans and 67 horse each managed to subdjugate and destroy two major Civilizations and take over a whole continent. Wonderful illustrations in colour.

"Castles and Crusaders" by Matthew Bennett. Well the title really explains fully what this book deals with - a must for any Medieval 2 Total War fan. Illustrations and maps in vivid colour.

Roman Period

"Roman Legions" by H.M.D. Parker. A relatively old book, but still relevant now nonetheless, this famous book deals firstly with the Pre-Marian army and then discusses the Marian Reforms and how they affected tactical formation, training and recruitment. Julius Ceasar's army is described along with that of Pompey. Other topics talked about include; Centurians, legionary strength, recruitment, duration of service, pay, peace-time employment, decorations, punishments, marriage and discharge of the Roman Imperial Army. It does not have many illustrations so unless you don't mind this I suggest:

"Roman Warfare" by Adrian Goldsworthy. Same publisher as the "Castles..."
and "Renaissance..." books I mentioned above, so brilliant illustrations, well edited etc. Haven't read it yet but all the other books in this series have been brilliant.

Does anyone else have any reccomendations for everyone?

[Cangrande]

Two of my big favourites are A History of Venice and A Short History of Byzantium both by John Julius Norwich

Although 'general' histories, they are both good on the political/military side. Good old-fashioned narrative history at its very best

[Mooks]

Historical fiction anyone? Best kind of books.

Bernard Cornwell. This man is a genuis. Involves true historical information his book along with a fictional character and a good story. The characters in his books are soldiers, and bloodthirsty ones that at.

Nonfiction. "Crossing the rubicon" based on Julius Caesar. Cant remeber author.

[Marshal Murat]

Sienkiewicz is my favorite historical-fiction author.
He wrote 'With Fire and Sword' 'Deluge' and 'Fire in the Steppe' (or Pan Wolodyjowski if you prefer)

Cornwell is a very intelligent and accomplished historical fiction writer.
Patrick O'Brian's style didn't click with me, but you can always try your local library.

Dumas writes some wicked ones to.

[Lorenzo_H]

Historical fiction anyone? Best kind of books.

Bernard Cornwell. This man is a genuis. Involves true historical information his book along with a fictional character and a good story. The characters in his books are soldiers, and bloodthirsty ones that at.

Nonfiction. "Crossing the rubicon" based on Julius Caesar. Cant remeber author.

I don't like Bernard Cornwell that much - his writing is too dirty and unheroic for me. Even though I have read quite a few Sharpe novels...

[Kralizec]

I heartily recommend Donald Kagans The Penelopessian war.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It's about the medieval period, obviously

[Geoffrey S]

For a very broad, and to be honest somewhat dated, view of the developments around the Mediterranean until the end of the Roman Empire, try The Mediterranean in the Ancient World by Fernand Braudel. He presents a far more abstract side of history through the geography, art and demographics and connects them with the more obvious historical events, and does so in a manner which makes it a real pleasure to read. Like I said, it is dated in places so find a version with updated notes.

[ajaxfetish]

For some excellent medieval writing, I'd recommend A Distant Mirror, by Barbara Tuchman. It covers the earlier part of the Hundred Years War and other contemporary events, along with painting a picture of the time in general.

I don't like Bernard Cornwell that much - his writing is too dirty and unheroic for me.

Kinda like war, eh?

Ajax

[Randarkmaan]

"A history of Islamic Societies" by Ira M. Lapidus is very good for Islamic history if you're into that...

Also Carl Grimberg's (A swede) "Världshistoria" is a very good collection of history books, it focuses on the lives of people (mostly those important) and is rather interesting to read, though expect som bias against certain people at times for an example the Turks and other Muslims ("Mohammedans"), in this collection I find the first ones about the ancient world to be the best. I don't know if it's available in English though, but you can get it in Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Danish I think. It's roughly 30 books each of about 300 pages... Though not all are written by Grimberg as he died before he could complete his work, though all are written in the same style.

[Lorenzo_H]

For some excellent medieval writing, I'd recommend A Distant Mirror, by Barbara Tuchman. It covers the earlier part of the Hundred Years War and other contemporary events, along with painting a picture of the time in general.


Kinda like war, eh?

Ajax

Well I guess I phrased that wrong; I just dislike the fact that Sharpe is such a womaniser and also Cornwall doesn't accuratly depict many of the things about the British Army then.