Born of a mixture of religious fervour; military ardour and political will; the Crusades ( 1095 - 1291) remain a fascinating and misunderstood aspect of medieval history. Born amid immense suffering and bloodshed the Kingdom of Jerusalem remained a battlefield for almost 200 years. The Crusades raised to campaign for it gave rise to the Military Orders of the Templars and Hopitallers as well as numerous smaller orders; and were a backdrop to the careers of some of history's most famous leaders including Richard 'The Lionheart' and Saladin. David Nicolle recounts the background and events of these fundamental campaigns that scarred the Late Medieval period.
#966400 in Books John Murray Publishers 2011-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x 1.02 x 5.16l; .66 #File Name: 184854104X400 pagesJohn Murray Publishers
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wellington...warts and all.By Chris MartinJohn Snow comes to author this vivid description of the battles of the Wellington's Peninsular campaign and beyond with much experience behind him as a commentator for the British ITN network on military strategy and military history. Snow reveals that this was one of the first campaigns where large numbers of soldiers were literate and wrote their own accounts of their commanders; the tactics used and first-hand accounts of front line action; and he uses them well in this account.The narrative traces the career on Wellington from his first landing in Portugal and first successful skirmish against Napoleon's generals until the great battle of Waterloo. The battle dispositions of the opposing armies are clear with the use of maps; the tactical moves by opposing leaders are documented and final results outlined. Yet it is in the historical narrative that Snow excels in describing the peculiarities of 19th century workings of the British army; and; Wellington's relationships with the British Prime Minister. Snow also brings out the strategic geo-political issues by selected comments from the English foreign Secretary with whom he had to work.Snow vividly captures the internal divisions of Wellington's army over strong commanders like Picton; "Daddy" Hill and Crauford.The various opposing armies are depicted in different glimpses from the buffoon Spanish generals;the barely competent but improving Portuguese and the more disciplined French forces. He even brings the reader into seeing first hand how the densely packed French battle force formations led to their demise against an extended English line of fire. And one by one he describes the downfall of the French generals that opposed Wellington in Portugal and Spain.While Snow is an obvious admirer of Wellington;he is not uncritical;pointing out his subject's ingrained aristocratic snobbery that affected some of his decisions;particularly in regards to promotion from the ranks and his disdain for confiding in his subordinate generals. The tone of the book is lively with clusters of photographs of the leading protagonists. Each battle is discussed and some maps are provided yet the book needs an additional single map page to give the reader a clear idea of the geography of the Spanish Peninsula. There is a good reference list. As an introduction to Wellington's battles this is excellent vivid work.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. How did they ever recruit an army?By John AverettThis book really opens your eyes to warfare in the time of Napoleon. Brutal. Well worth a read to understand something about the society.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Military BiographyBy Aussie ReaderThis new biography on the Duke of Wellington by Peter Snow is an excellent addition to the many books on this British General. The book mainly covers Wellington's time in the Peninsular with fourteen of twenty chapters devoted to that campaign. The final four chapters obviously cover the lead up to; and the conclusion of; the Battle of Waterloo.In just over 316 pages the author provides an excellent account of this period and Wellington's role in defeating Napoleonic France. Although I may not agree with all of the author's assertions I still thoroughly enjoyed this book.The narrative is full of first-hand accounts; some well know and some never before seen; and great stories. The book just moved along at a cracking pace and if not in-depth certainly detailed enough for most military enthusiasts. There were 20 maps supplied and numerous colour illustrations which added to the story.Overall this is book well worth reading and I am sure most readers; both first-timers and those well read about the `Iron Duke'; will have a great time following the career of Wellington from the Peninsular to Waterloo.
