DOC Renaissance War Galley 1470–1590 (New Vanguard) by Angus Konstam in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Typically well done Osprey offeringBy Henry S. PlouseNo one asserts that Osprey's publications reflect in-depth or cutting edge scholarship; but as beautifully illustrated overviews of the topic; they are hard to beat. This one; particularly; is simply beautifully done - the illustrations are superb; the discussion well balanced; the insights occasionally profound. Altho' this publication regularly invokes Morrison's seminal work on galley warfare ("Naval Warfare Under Oars"); it is; in fact; in many ways superior to Morrison's work. Anyone interested in naval affairs; in the historical struggle between Christian and Muslim in the Mediterranean; or in the 16th C generally; will find something to love in this offering. Like all Osprey books; the chief objection is simply that there is not more - more text; more illustrations; more of everything. A feast for the eyes and the imagination.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Quality control issuesBy Lochlan LongstriderThe center piece illustration of a cut away of a typical galley is just that; a center piece. The editors did not allow for the binding so the illustration is over cropped down the center; leaving out information and ruining what could have been a spectacular illustration. If the Venetians had used the same level of quality control on the building of their galleys half of them would have sunk in the first storm.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good technical descriptionBy Dr. Maddoggood companion piece to other books (including the Osprey edition) on the battle of Lepanto and this era in general. Well researched; it helped put a lot of the other historical works in perspective because this is the only source I have seen so far that really describes the War Galley as a functioning weapon; and summarizes tactics; etc. Good read; good addition to library.