Product Description

This text brings the past to life with photographs of battles in British history, re-enacted by "English Heritage" and "Historic Scotland". The written commentary describes what it was probably like to fight with sword, spear or musket from Hastings to Flodden, Naseby to Culloden. Historical eye witness accounts are complemented by the experience of modern re-enactors, investigating the past. Questions examined are: how far a soldier could march in medieval armour; what it was like to be a female camp follower in the army of Charles I, and how to aim a long bow to bring down a charging knight.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #975690 in Books
• Published on: 1997-03-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

This blood-soaked, war-torn, sceptred isle
British history is punctuated by stories of brutal military struggles, often fuelled by political intrigue amongst people who cared little for the lives wasted on the battlefield. This excellent book, written and illustrated by modern war journalists, brings them to life superbly. It details major battles from Anglo-Saxon times to the Wars of the Roses to the English Civil War to Culloden in 1746, vividly illustrated by surprisingly realistic-looking re-enactments. Each battle has its own section, with maps and background information, and the major details of the battle itself.

What makes the book more fascinating than any dry tactical descriptions are the side panels in each chapter which give insights into life at the time - what it was like to serve in the armies of the day, medical treatments, the morale of the ordinary troops, and so on. The book is an accessible, interesting introduction to an important part of our heritage.

An excellent introduction to the battles fought in Britain
An excellent book that summerises all battles on the British mainland from Maldon in 991, to Culloden in 1746. Well presented, with maps, photos and diagrams, this is a brilliant introduction to the military history of Britain.