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Warfare in Feudal Europe, 730-1200

In this book, Professor Beeler shows how feudal troops were used in war and also discusses such subjects as the bases on which feudal service was exacted, the mustering and composition of armies and their subsequent operations in the field, and the quality and qualifications of their commanders. This is a vital book for understanding feudalism and its connection to medieval warfare.

 

War in the Middle Ages

The author provides an outstanding survey of warfare from the barbarian attacks on the Roman Empire in the fifth century to the formation of permanent armies at the end of the fifteenth century. Contarnine attacks the false perception that medieval warfare was a futile, unintelligent, bashing among knights. This is the best single volume on the subject.

 

Agincourt.

On 14 October 1415, in this great battle of the Middle Ages, the British Army defeated a much stronger French force. In this book, Hibbert provides a readable analysis of this battle and an explanation of medieval warfare.

 

Anglo Saxon Military Institutions.

This scholarly institutional history of the organization of the late-Saxon military establishment concentrates on manpower, who served and why. Also included in this work is an excellent chapter on Anglo-Saxon tactics and strategy. Professor Hollister's volume is essential for understanding the military history of England during the Middle Ages.

 

The Portable Machiavelli.

This collection of Machiavelli's writings includes The Prince and selections from The Art of War. Machiavelli (1469-1527) realized the importance of military strength and believed in a connection between a militia and a republican form of government. A brief, clearly written introduction to this volume gives a historical overview of Machiavelli's life and times.

 

Art of War in the Middle Ages A. D. 378-1515

Originally published in 1885, this short, readable book gives an account of the military aspects of medieval society. While some of Oman's analyses are no longer valid due to Contamine's book, there is still much of interest here. Especially well done are Oman's descriptions of Swiss arms, organization, tactics, and strategy from 1315 to 1515.

 

Crusading Warfare,1097-1193 (Studies in Mediaeval Life & Thought)

In this well-written analysis of the military achievements of the Crusaders, Small shows how the European feudal society of the eleventh and twelfth centuries was organized for war. Especially interesting are the pictures of the Crusader castles that are still in use for military purposes. Any soldier concerned about warfare in the Middle East will find this book useful.

 

Distant Mirror: The Calamitous Fourteenth Century

In this fascinating and well-written work, Tuchman explores life in the Middle Ages in Western Europe. She gives vivid portraits of knights and feudal warfare.