Product Description

Britain was a place of conflict in the Dark Ages, between the departure of the Romans and the Norman Conquest. Clashes of allegiance, competition for territory and resources, and intense rivalries among the warlords and kings gave rise to frequent outbreaks of fighting. This was the time of legendary military leaders, like Arthur, Alfred and Canute, and of literally hundreds of battles.

In this fascinating book, Peter Marren investigates this confused era of warfare, looks for the reality behind the myths, and uses the techniques of modern scholarship to show how battles were fought in that brutal age, where they were fought, and why.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #99224 in Books
• Published on: 2009-01-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

ILLUMINATING
This is a gem of a book. The author covers all the basics of dark age battles fought in the UK as far as he is able, in a refreshingly enjoyable, pretence free, style. His explanations are clear and lucid and, this is the first book on the subject I have read which takes into account the (probably) small size of the forces involved in the various battles. However, the title should give it away but just in case, don't expected detailed discussions on the tactics used - we just don't have the sources to provide that sort of information for the majority of the fights that are covered in the text. What you do get is a rational discussion with the most likely scenarios clearly presented. There is also a very good chapter on the reality of King Arthur and the possible locations of 'his' wars. Highly recommended.