Colonial Lake Books - Fighting Skills Books

	Fighting Skills Books
	A Knight And His Armour - $20.00 Ewart Oakeshott. Explore another fascinating dimension of medieval warfare in this engaging account of knights and their various kinds of armor. Oakeshott focuses on the armor of the later Middle Ages, from 1100 to 1500. He examines how armor developed, how craftsmen made the important garments, and he looks in detail at the different kinds of helmets and which were the best. He also looks at the other important aspects of a knight's armor and finishes up with a discussion of how the armor was worn. Along the way he dispels a number of myths about medieval armor. Originally published in 1961, this updated and revised edition has an extensive and useful glossary. Accurately illustrated by the author, the book captures the wonder and magic of a past time. 128pp. Pb.
Ambraser Codex - $29.00 Hans Talhofler. Hans Talhoffer was one the most famous and prolific of the 15th-century German fight masters with at least six fight books attributed to him that have survived to the present day. His Ambraser Codex from 1449 is one of the lesser-known fight books, but it contains a wealth of information about armored combat, dagger fighting, wrestling and mounted combat that makes it tremendously valuable to students of historical combat. Written for Talhoffer’s patron, Leutold von Königsegg, the Ambraser Codex gives us a fascinating blow-by-blow account of what judicial duels were like from start to finish. More than just a translation, the author has used other fighting manuals of the period to interpret Talhoffer’s techniques. 251pp. Pb.
	Annals of a Fortress - $25.00 Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, Benjamin Bucknell. Combining the excitement of a novel with the authenticity of a historical document, this gripping book chronicles a castle's rise from obscurity to international attention during the nineteenth century. It profiles a fictional fortress, La Roche-Pont, for an unusual survey of the evolving art of siege warfare — from Gallic tribes attempting to hold off the might of the Roman empire through medieval feuds, protracted religious conflicts of the seventeenth century, and the Napoleonic and Franco-Prussian Wars. The noted architect Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc (1814–1879) was in a unique position to write this book. A central figure in France's Gothic Revival, Viollet-le-Duc had a second career in the military that included a prominent role in the defense of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War of the 1870s. With this accessible, well-researched study, he exerted an enduring influence on French military defensive thinking. Subtle and enchanting in its blend of fact and fiction, Annals of a Fortress continues to offer a brilliant evocation of more than 2,000 years of European warfare. 432pp. Pb.
Archaeology of Weapons - $23.00 R Ewart Oakeshott. Tremendously detailed and thorough account of premodern weapons of war—from the prehistoric Bronze and Iron Ages and the breakup of the Roman Empire, to the Viking era and the Age of Chivalry. Profusely illustrated with a host of armor and weapons: daggers, longbows, crossbows, helmets, swords, shields, spears and more. 384pp. Pb.
	The Armoured Rose - $16.00 Tobi Beck (aka Duchess Elina of Beckenham). This book on fighting in the Society For Creative Anachronism is for women who want to fight but procrastinate, or who fight and want to get better, for men who want to train women, or who dread training women because they always seem to drop out, or those who fight women. It describes how women differ from men in their physical, chemical and psychological make up and what effect this has on their fighting style. There are training photo sequences on particular moves which can help greatly. A thoroughly fascinating book. 241pp. Pb.
Arms and Armor: A Pictorial Archive From 19th Century Sources - $22.00 Carol Belanger Grafton. Over 750 detailed, high-quality illustrations from rare 19th-century sources: suits of armor, chain mail, swords, helmets, knives, crossbows and other implements, along with scenes of battle, soldiers, horses, artillery and more. Especially suitable for projects requiring a medieval or old-fashioned flavor, these illustrations will fill a myriad of needs for battle-related graphic art. 128pp. Pb.
	The Art of War - $14.00 Niccolo Machiavelli. Classic by one of Western civilization's greatest political and military theorists Florentine statesman, writer, and political theorist, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) considered The Art of War his most important work. Five centuries later, after serving as a guide to Frederick the Great, Napoleon, and countless other military leaders, it remains an authoritative treatise on the fundamentals of warfare. This book is the republication of the London, 1720 edition. 192pp. Pb.
Arte Gladiatoria: 15th Century Swordsmanship of Master Filippo Vadi - $53.00 Luca Porzio & Gregory Mele. For the first time, a color fascimile and translation from this important 15th century master of late Italian Medieval swordsmanship. Master Fillipo Vadi’s work, previously overlooked and underestimated by fencing scholars, presents the student of historical swordsmanship or of miltiary history a fresh, stunningly beautiful look into the mind of an Italian fencing master. The core of the book is the Prologue and the Chapters that accompany it, explaining in detail not only who should be taught the art of swordsmanship -- and how -- but detailed explanations that cover almost every aspect of swordsmanship. Closely following the works of the late 14th century master Fiore dei Liberi, Vadi fills in many puzzling blanks left by the old Master and offers his own innovations. Accompanying the exquisitely wrought text, finely translated by Luca Porzio, are 56 color plates showing many of the techniques explained in the chapters and by other historical masters, but in this case, with such a beautiful rendering that they are works of art unto themselves. The authors have also included a penetrating new analysis of the Vadi material, debunking common myths about Vadi and challenging the conventional view concerning his place in the history of fencing. Especially interesting is the section by Gregory Mele carefully comparing techniques in Vadi with the different editions of Fiore dei Liberi. An absolute must for the bookshelf of anyone interested in the history of fencing or late medieval warfare, this rich volume will also appeal to collectors of illuminated manuscripts, reeactors, and literary traditions of 15th century Italy. 203pp. Hb.
	The Book of the Crossbow - $36.00 Ralph Payne-Gallwey. A fascinating study, the only book devoted exclusively to the crossbow, which traces the use of crossbow as military and sporting weapon, its construction and management in medieval and modern times. Also mentions related weapons: balistas, catapults, Turkish bow, more. Over 240 illustrations. 400pp. Pb.
The Book of the Sword - $18.00 Sir Richard F Burton. Eloquent, exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons." Traces sword’s origin—from prehistory to its full growth during early Roman Empire. Discusses earliest weapons of stone, bone, horn and wood as well as variations: sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar and more. Enhanced by nearly 300 excellent line drawings. 336pp. Pb.
	Castles and Warfare in the Middle Ages - $18.00 Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. Profusely illustrated text describes in detail such elements of European citadels as dungeons, keeps, battlements, and drawbridges. The use of artillery and trenches, as well as such weapons as battering rams, mines, and the long-bow are also discussed. An excellent reference for architectural historians, military buffs, and medievalists. 151 illustrations. 288pp. Pb.
Castles of the Western World - $22.00 Armin Tuulse. This superb archive focuses on more than 200 structures — from temples, palaces and walls of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, to Romansque strongholds of the Normans and Gothic edifices of the crusaders and Teutonic knights, to lavish palaces built in Italy, France, England, Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia. 240 illustrations, including 98 plans and drawings. 240pp. Pb.
	Castles: Their Construction & History - $19.00 Sidney Toy. A concise, scholarly survey traces castle development from ancient roots. Nearly 200 photographs and drawings illustrate moats, keeps, baileys, many other features. Caernarvon, Dover castles, Hadrian's Wall, Tower of London, dozens more. 199 black-and-white illustrations. 256pp. Pb.
Chronicles of the Crusades - $16.00 Geoffrey Villehardouin, Jean de Joinville, Sir Frank Marzials. The most authoritative, firsthand accounts available of the Holy Wars, this work collects both Villehardouin's Conquest of Constantinople and Joinville's Life of Saint Louis. Veterans of the Fourth and Seventh Crusades, the former soldiers provide an engrossing narrative that recounts the terrifying battles, unspeakable atrocities, and the religious and political fervor that sparked the two-hundred year campaign. 336pp. Pb.
	The Damascus Chronicle of the Crusade - $25.00 H A R Gibb. This outstanding work on the First Crusade was written by an Arab scholar from an old and respected family of Damascus. Well-educated in literature, theology and law, he was twice elected mayor of the city and died when he was over 90 years of age in 1160. His Chronicle, translated by H. A. R. Gibb, is of special interest because it presents a contemporary Arab account of how the Crusaders fared while in Damascus. Derived from oral and written reports, the information is remarkable for its documentation. An informative introduction sets the scene just prior to invasion by the Crusaders. Because this original work still retains much material unused by later compilers, it remains an indispensable resource for students of the early Crusades. Unabridged republication of the edition published by Luzac & Company, Ltd., London, 1932. 368pp. Pb.
The Dogsoldier Codex - $29.00 Brian Pfeifer, Baron Sylvanus Perrin. Based on over 10 years of experience as a fighter and teacher, the Dogsoldier Codex is an excellent tool for aspiring heavy fighters in the Society for Creative Anachronism. From your first authorization to your first field command, this volume will earn a place in your armor bag, carrying you through your early years and beyond. In addition to training numerous new fighters, Baron Sylvanus Perrin has also led them on the battlefield. This book draws upon his accumulated knowledge and avoids mere theoretical speculation. Each chapter is full of practical advice, beginning with how to prepare for your first authorization and proceeding logically through basic and advanced melee skills. Not limited to new fighters however, training and leading heavy infantry are also discussed in depth. In addition to the SCA, The Dog Soldier Codex will also be useful to participants in Markland, Dagorhir, Tuchux, and other medieval combat recreation organizations. 119pp. Pb.
	The English Castle: An Account of its Development as a Military Structure - $26.00 A. Hamilton Thompson. A seat of government and the private residence of its owner, a castle was also a military base and stronghold for the surrounding region. The development of these fortifications during England's medieval period is examined in this profusely illustrated book. Early chapters deal with earthworks, the Roman station, and beginnings of the stone castle after the Norman conquest, while additional sections consider fortified towns and Edwardian castles of the later Middle Ages. 416pp. Pb.
English Swordsmanship: The True Fight of George Silver - $62.00 Stephen Hand. This is a comprehensive analysis of an historical system of English swordsmanship by George Silver in the late 16th century. His fear that the traditional English system of swordsmanship would be replaced by Italian rapier fencing encouraged him to write outlining the principles of English swordsmanship. Because he was afraid that the principles of “The True Fight” would be lost, Silver’s books are unparallelled in their detailed explanation of Early Modern combat theory. Silver’s preferred weapon was the basket hilted sword. Silver’s system is contemporary with the plays of William Shakespeare and is the style of swordsmanship described as being used by historical characters and by serving men (who preferred the traditional weapons and system over the upper class rapier). Many of Shakespeare’s references to swordsmanship can be traced to incidents in the ongoing quarrels (sometimes fatal) between traditional English Masters of Defence and the teachers of Italian rapier fencing. With nearly a thousand photographs, detailed descriptions of each principle and action and dozens of suggested drills and excercises, English Swordsmanship is an unparallelled reference for anyone looking to recreate Elizabethan Swordplay, whether it be for re-enactment, for stage, or as a martial art in its own right. 248pp. Hb.
	Fiore de Liberi's Fior di Battaglia - $40.00 Tom Leoni. This book is the first English translation of Fiore de' Liberi's "Fior di Battaglia," the 1409 swordsmanship and martial arts text that is the oldest extant in the Italian tradition. The book survives in four known manuscripts. One of them, housed at the Getty museum in Los Angeles, CA, is held to be the most complete, and is the basis of this translation. Writing for an audience of illustrious students including the powerful marquis Nicolo' d' Este, Fiore presents detailed instruction on wrestling as well as the use of several weapons including longsword, axe, dagger, staff, lance and others. Fiore's text has been translated by experienced historical martial artist Tom Leoni of the Order of the Seven Hearts and reviewed by Maestro Sean Hayes of the Northwest Academy of Arms and by Greg Mele of the Chicago Swordplay Guild. Fourth revision. Text only. 93pp. Pb.
Fortresses: Hundred Years War Castles - $48.00 Stephane William Gondoin. The Hundred Years War, 1337 to 1453, was the dynastic struggle between the French Capetians and the English Plantaganets and Lancastrians for the throne of a united France. It began as a series of raiding wars fought on French soil and developed into expeditionary wars fuelled by the territorial ambitions of a succession of English Kings, from Edward III to Henry V. This first volume in a new series of illustrated histories of medieval castles provides an in-depth guide to the main castles of the great Capetian kings, from Chateau Gaillard to the Castel de Coucy. The author is a specialist historian and 3-D illustrator. This book represents the product of years of his research and detailed work. Illustrated in full colour throughout, it includes 3-D computer-generated reconstructions of the castles, battle scenes. 128pp. Hb.
	Fortresses: The Twilight of Medieval Castles - $54.00 Stephane William Gondoin. This second volume concentrates on those castles typifying the end of the great castle era. Illustrated in full colour throughout, it includes 3-D computer-generated reconstructions of the castles. 132pp. Hb.
Gladiatoria Fechtbuch - $39.00 Hugh Knight. This is the first-ever complete translation of the anonymous fifteenth-century fightbook commonly known as the Gladiatoria Fechtbuch. It contains detailed information on armored spear combat, halfsword combat, dagger combat, and ground fighting along with unarmored techniques for Long Shields, sword and buckler and staff combat. This book is a must have item for anyone with an interest in medieval combat or knighthood. Please Note: A few of the pictures in this book are of poor quality, however the suthor has done what he could to clean these pictures and all of them are clear enough to interpret. 144pp. Hb.
	The Great Warbow - $110.00 Matthew Strickland & Robert Hardy. The Great Warbow is a vivid and exciting exploration of the bow and arrow as weapons of war. From before the Domesday Book, through Anglo-Saxon England, medieval Wales and Ireland, the crusades, Bannockburn and the Wars of the Roses, until the time of the Tudors, this book takes us on a wide-ranging and fascinating journey through history. Tactics, myths, origins, defense and armor are all discussed; as are the different types of bow - shortbow, longbow, composite bows and crossbow. Crucial to our understanding of archery through the ages was the discovery of the wreck of the Mary Rose. Built during Henry VIII's reign, she sank in 1545 and it was not until 1979 that a great discovery was made. On board were chests of bows, many in excellent condition, which challenged ideas of historical bow design. Robert Hardy was one of the experts consulted when the bows were found. From this evidence, as from archaeological finds and medieval illustrations, Robert Hardy and Matthew Strickland have produced the definitive work on medieval military archery. This lively and informative book is a must-read for anyone interested in the historical background of the great warbow. 538pp. Hb.
Historical Swordsmanship: Teaching and Interpreting - $30.00 (Ed) Brian R Rice. In this volume many leaders of the historical swordsmanship community from around the world have come together to offer valuable insights to new generations of students and instructors. The reader will find both practical hints on how to teach and philosophical approaches to guide the development of their own drills and practice exercises. In this book the reader will find treasured advice from teachers both modern and ancient. The International contributors include Brian R. Price (USA), Stephen Hand (Australia), Christian H. Tobler (USA), Hans Heim (Germany), Milo Thurston (UK), Sean Hayes (USA), Colin Richards (Germany), William E. Wilson (USA), Guy Windsor (Finland), Matthew Galas (Belgium), Gary Chalek (USA), and Luca Porzio (Italy). 208pp. Pb.
	History of the Sword - $7.00 Bruce LaFontaine. From prehistoric sticks to the rapiers wielded by the Louis XIV's Musketeers, this volume chronicles the history of the sword in 44 carefully researched, ready-to-color drawings of the weapons and authentically costumed figures of the people who wielded them. A rich pictorial history for coloring book fans, students of weaponry, and armchair adventurers alike. 48pp. Pb.
In St George's Name: An Anthology of Medieval German Fighting Arts - $51.00 Christian Henry Tobler. The medieval knight was a well-trained fighting man, expert in the use of sword, lance, spear and dagger, and member of a warrior aristocracy whose values, virtues and vices helped shape European society for over 500 years. As a window into the knight and his craft, In Saint George’s Name: An Anthology of Medieval German Fighting Arts brings readers a treasure trove of historic combat treatises, musings on the culture and context of the martial arts in the late Middle Ages, and hands-on training exercises for wrestling, dagger, falchion, and poleaxe. Join medieval combat expert Christian Henry Tobler on an expansive journey into the lost world of chivalric fighting arts. 210pp. Pb.
	In The Service of Mars: Proceedings from the Western Martial Art Workshop 1999-2009 - $67.00 Ed. Gregory D Mele. Martial Arts are literally “The Arts of Mars,” the Roman god of war. Interest in these traditions has grown dramatically over the last twenty years, bringing together a unique combination of fighters and scholars in the quest to resurrect and preserve this proud heritage of fighting lore. The Western Martial Arts Workshop (WMAW) was founded in 1999 as a way for the students of these martial arts to meet, train, exchange research, and lay the foundation for an enduring Western martial arts community. In the Service of Mars, Volume One is both a compilation of some of the most popular and detailed lectures and class notes from WMAW’s first decade, and a record of the growth of the Western martial arts community in depth and breadth over the same time. The contributions in this book have been substantially revised, expanded, and photo-illustrated, coming as close to recreating an actual class in the subject as the written word can ever replicate a physical discipline. From armoured axe combat to the elegant and swift rapier; the wrestling of Germany to the swordplay of the Scots Highlander, In the Service of Mars contains something new for every student of the Western martial arts, providing hours of training, food for thought, and a chronicle of the community’s growth over the last decade. 340pp. Pb.
The Knightly Art of the Longsword - $37.00 Hugh Knight. Johannes Liechtenauer, the father of German martial arts, created a system of combat that was second to none. Later authors wrote books detailing his art, some for earnest combat and others for a sportive version, that have survived to the present day. This book attempts to draw together the writings of various masters of Liechtenauer’s school into a single, comprehensive source detailing the art of fighting in earnest. Not limited to a single author, nor to just the basics of the art, this book attempts to show the full range of Liechtenauer’s art without mixing in any of the more sportive sources from later authors. In addition to the techniques themselves, The Knightly Art of the Longsword includes information on strategic concepts, fundamentals, equipment, finding a school, training, and even how to teach the art. 342pp. SB.
	Knights and Armor: Coloring Book - $8.00 A G Smith. Historically accurate renderings of Vikings, Crusaders, Italian Condottiere, Spanish foot-soldiers and luminaries such as Richard the Lion-Hearted and Henry the VIII document the evolution and development of personal armor and weapons through the centuries. 42 plates. 48pp. Pb.
Knights of Jerusalem: The Crusading Order of Hospitallers 1100 - 1565 - $34.00 David Nicolle. The Hospitallers was established by a group of Italian merchants from Amalfi in the mid-11th century as part of a widespread charitable movement to help pilgrims. The Hospitallers role evolved from one of charity work and healing to become recognised experts in the military capabilities of opposing Islamic armies. This book examines the lifestyle, experiences and military roles of the Knights Hospitaller. It not only looks at their adventures on campaign and their training, but also at their beliefs and daily life at home. Accompanied with glorious colour pictures this book gives us an insight into the fascinating lives of the courageous men who were members of an Order that tended the sick, played an integral role in the Crusades against Islam, outlived the more heralded Templars and still exists today, albeit in a very different form. 224pp. Hb.
	Knives & Scabbards: Medieval Finds from Excavations in London - $48.00 J Cowgill, M de Neergaard, N Griffiths. Knives were vital to medieval man for a whole range of uses, from the domestic to the wider social context: Anglo-Saxon pre-Christian burials bear silent witness to this dependence in the many cases where knives are found among the grave-goods. Forged and hafted with great skill, sometimes with elaborately decorated scabbards, knives are of intrinsic fascination, besides being indicators of the popular artistic tastes of the time.This book catalogues, discusses and illustrates over five hundred knives, scabbards, shears and scissors dating from the mid-12th to the mid-15th centuries and found in the City of London, particularly along the waterfront sites, where recovered items can be accurately dated by dendrochronology and coin finds. It is a fundamental work of reference for medieval artefacts and material culture, an essential handbook for excavators all over Britain and much of Europe. 184pp. Pb.
The Life of a Knight 1171-1252 - $54.00 Yann Kervran. The medieval knight has a distinctive silhouette, despite the numerous legends which blur historical reality. At the turning point between the 12th and 13th centuries, while the feudal order was slowly disappearing in favor of the overwhelming royal will, some men stood apart from their contemporaries by their ability to fight on horses. They held the power and were considered little by little as the ruling class; they were the lords of the land. Thibaut des Puys de Morsaing, a young and poor bachelor, is about to achieve great success and become a rich land owner. Following his father's steps, who died during the Crusades, and his godfather's, Tristan de Maumesnil, he grasps the opportunities offered to him. The many events in the life of this imaginary character are used as a pretext to show France's medieval society, from kings Philippe Auguste to Saint Louis. 116pp. Hb.
	The Longbow - $39.00 Robert Hardy. Hardy is a well-known character actor in England and an acknowledged expert on the longbow and its history. With drama, vigor and enthusiasm, the author chronicles the arrival of the longbow in Britain and its gradual adoption as the most deadly weapon in the English military arsenal, and its coming of age at the battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt, to its decline as a military armament and its current status as a hunting and sporting weapon today. The equipment, training and way of life of the medieval bowman is well described and illustrated. There is a chapter on the making of a bow from choosing the wood to final testing of the compleated weapon. 246pp. Hb.
Making A Medieval Leg Harness - $22.00 Paul Prater. A how to book for the construction of a medieval leg harness. This book is detailed with full instructions, more than 75 photographs and illustrations and patterns for the pieces. 73pp. Pb.
	The Medieval Archer (ex-library copy) - $35.00 Jim Bradbury. This history of the archer in the middle ages, from the Norman Conquest to the Wars of the Roses, opens with a definition of the differing kinds of bows in use, and challenges the usual assumption that the 'longbow' was a new and devastating weapon adopted by English armies from the late thirteenth century onwards. A second thread of the book examines the archer's role in society, with particular reference to that most famous of all archers, Robin Hood. The final chapters look at the archer in the early fifteenth century and then chronicle the rise of the handgun as the major infantry weapon at the bow's expense. Hb.
The Medieval Castle - $6.00 A G Smith. The medieval castle was the residence of the local lord, center of the community, and stronghold against enemy attacks. This collection of 30 detailed illustrations focuses on activities within the castle and how the heavily fortified structure functioned. Included are views of the castle's main features: the moat, drawbridge and portcullis; strong tower, or keep; the Great Hall, center of court life; dungeons; and others. Also here are ready-to-color scenes of a lady doing needlework at a window seat, a crossbowman atop a castle wall, a castle under siege, and more. 30 full-page black-and-white illustrations. 4 full-color illustrations on covers. 32pp. Pb.
	The Medieval Horse and Its Equipment: 1150-1450 - $48.00 John Clark. Whether a knight's charger or a beast of burden, horses played a vital role in medieval life. The wealth of medieval finds excavated in London in recent years has, not surprisingly, included many objects associated with horses. This catalogue illustrates and discusses over four hundred such objects, among them harness, horseshoes, spurs and curry combs, from the utilitarian to highly decorative pieces. London served by horse traffic comes vividly in view. The introductory chapter draws on historical as well as archaeological sources to consider the role of the horse in medieval London. It looks at the price of horses and the costs of maintaining them, the hiring of 'hackneys' for riding, the use of carts in and around London, and the work of the 'marshal' or farrier. It discusses the evidence for the size of medieval horses and includes a survey of finds of medieval horse skeletons from London. It answers the key questions, how large a 'Great Horse' was, and why it took three horses to pull a cart. This is a basic work of reference for archaeologists and those studying medieval artifacts, and absorbing reading for everyone interested in the history of the horse and its use by humankind. 202pp. Pb.
Medieval Jousts and Tournaments - $7.00 John Green. All the thrills, spectacle, and excitement of medieval tournaments come to life in 43 carefully researched and realistically rendered illustrations, among them the mêlée, a free-for-all between two teams on an open battlefield, a dying knight receiving last rites, ladies of the court choosing a knight-of-honor, a lavish tournament banquet, and much more. 48pp. Pb.
	Osprey Elite: Crusades - $23.00 David Nicolle. Born of a mixture of religious fervour, military ardour and political will, the Crusades 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. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Elite: Knights At Tournament - $23.00 Christopher Gravett. Like all warrior classes throughout history medieval knights engaged in military games, partly in preparation for war and partly for pure sport. From their often brutal origins in the 10th century to the gaudy pageantry and eventual decline of the 15th and 16th centuries, tournaments were the centre of the knightly life. The image of the armoured and surcoated knight on his caparisoned charger remains the epitome of the chivalric ideal. Christopher Gravett explores the history of the tournament from its chaotic beginnings to its more formal, 'civilised' incarnation, describing the various 'events' and equipment which came into use. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Elite: Samurai Heraldry - $23.00 Stephen Turnbull. The dazzling spectacle presented by the armies of medieval Japan owed much to the highly developed family and personal heraldry of samurai society. From simple personal banners, this evolved over centuries of warfare into a complex system of flags worn or carried into battle, together with the striking 'great standards' of leading warlords. While not regulated in the Western sense, Japanese heraldry developed as a series of widely followed practices, while remaining flexible enough to embrace constant innovation. Scores of examples, in monochrome and full colour, illustrate this fascinating explanation of the subject by a respected expert on all aspects of samurai culture. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Fortress: Castles of Edward I in Wales 1277 - 1307AD - $23.00 Christopher Gravett. In 1277 Edward I gathered a huge army and marched into Wales to subdue the rebel Welsh princes. A key part of his strategy was to erect a castle wherever his army rested. This title takes a detailed look at the design, development and principles of defence of these Welsh castles, documenting daily life within their walls and the historical events that took place around them. Focusing on key sites, it highlights the varied castle designs ranging from fortifications based on French models to the defences inspired by Constantinople, and is illustrated with eight pages of full-colour illustrations and cutaway artwork. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Fortress: Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1097 - 1192AD - $23.00 David Nicolle. The Crusaders that landed in the Middle East in the late 11th century brought with them their own traditions of military architecture, but it was not long before their defensive construction began to reflect a broad array of local influences. Most early Crusader structures were relatively small, and tended to increase the existing natural and defensive features of a site. The basic forms comprised freestanding towers, castra, and hilltop and spur-castles, but urban centres, religious sites and rural dwellings were also fortified. From the 1160s, bigger, stronger and more expensive castles began to appear, in response to developments in Islamic siege weaponry. This title examines the early fortifications erected by the Crusaders in modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and south-eastern Turkey. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Fortress: Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1192 - 1302AD - $23.00 David Nicolle. The debacle of the Second Crusade in 1148 caused the Crusader States to realise the necessity of developing a more cautious strategy. The original expansionist spirit largely disappeared, and the Crusader States made priorities of strengthening their existing fortifications and towns and building new castles. These structures encompassed core aspects of Western European military architecture with the integration of rapidly developing Arab and Islamic traditions. Following Fortress 21: 'Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1097–1192', this book examines the design, development and defensive principles of some of the best-known Crusader fortifications and castles, including Crac des Chevaliers, Castel Blanc, Arsuf, Margat, Atlit, Montfort and Acre. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Fortress: English Castles 1200 - 1300AD - $23.00 Christopher Gravett. The simple castles raised after the Norman conquest had been developed throughout 11th and 12th centuries, whilst the introduction of Islamic and Byzantine fortification techniques from the late 12th century led to further developments in castle architecture. These fortifications were to be well tested throughout the course of the 13th century as England was riven by the conflict, characterized by prolonged sieges, between the monarchy and powerful magnates. As well as providing the focus for warfare, castles increasingly became the centres of their communities, providing a more permanent base for the lord, his family and retainers, as well as acting as centres for justice and administration. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Fortress: Forts of Celtic Britain - $23.00 Angus Konstam. Half a millennium before the Romans first arrived in Britain, an even more ferocious people, the Celts, arrived in what is now south-eastern England. The Celts remained in Britain long after the Romans departed, and although driven into the remoter corners of the island by English invaders the people who remained clung onto their Celtic heritage, and defended their remaining lands against all-comers. In order to defend their lands from other tribes or outside invaders these people established powerful fortified sites that served as places of refuge in wartime and as administrative and trading centres in times of peace. This book examines these fascinating forts, which varied considerably from the mysterious brochs and duns found in northern Britain, to the hill-top forts ranging in size, to the promontory forts that formed powerful coastal strongholds all around the island’s shores. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Fortress: Japanese Fortified Temples and Monasteries AD 710 - 1062 - $23.00 Stephen Turnbull. From the 10th century onwards the great Japanese monastic foundations of Nara and Mount Hiei maintained large armies of warlike monks. The tempestuous political rivalries that developed between the different orders of monks and religiously inspired laymen ensured that their temples and monasteries had to be securely sited and robustly defended. This books recreates these enormous fortified monasteries and temples, tracing their development from the 10th century through to the Sengoku Jidai period and the rise of the power of the shogunate under Tokugawa Ieyasu. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Fortress: Roman Legionary Fortresses 27BC - 378AD - $23.00 Duncan B Campbell. From the reign of Augustus (27 BC–AD 14) onwards the Roman Army became a standing force with permanent fortresses distributed throughout the empire. These fortresses developed from the temporary fortifications of the legions on campaign into temporary wooden structures, before finally becoming more elaborate stone fortifications designed to stand the test of time. This book describes the development, design and construction of these fortresses throughout the length and breadth of the Empire. It also deals extensively with the experience of life within a typical fortress and covers the operational history of these fortifications throughout the whole of the imperial period. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Fortress: Saracen Strongholds 630 - 1000AD: The Middle East - $23.00 David Nicolle. The Islamic world drew upon a myriad of pre-existing styles of fortification, taking Romano-Byzantine, Indian and Chinese ideas to create a highly effective and sophisticated hybrid fortification that was both new and distinctive. This book examines early Saracen fortifications, covering their historical background, socio-political circumstances, and their role in protecting industry, trade and the frontiers of the Islamic world. From the mayyad 'castles in the desert' of Jordan and Syria to the 'Round City of Baghdad' and the great gates of Cairo, this book provides an insight into the majesty of the Saracen forts, illustrated with specially commissioned artwork and cutaways, together with photographs of period engravings and images of the sites today. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Fortress: Saracen Strongholds 1100 - 1500AD: The Central and Eastern Islamic Lands - $23.00 David Nicolle. By the time of the Crusades, the Islamic world had already developed its own sophisticated styles of fortification. Distinctive and highly effective, the region’s unique military architecture continued to evolve in response to the Crusader and Mongol threats, and also drew upon the traditions of their foes and neighbours. The resulting Islamic concepts of military architecture had an influence upon fortifications in Western Europe, including Italy and the Iberian Peninsula. However, Islamic fortifications continued to focus upon the defence of cities and frontiers rather than providing security for feudal aristocracies, as was increasingly the case in Europe.Covering fortifications as far apart as North Africa, Afghanistan and northern India, this volume focuses on the Islamic side of the conflict, highlighting the fortifications in use when the Crusaders sought to reconquer the Holy Land, as well as the eventual absorption of the territories of Byzantium into the Islamic world. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Fortress: Scottish Baronial Castles 1250 - 1450AD - $23.00 Michael Brown. Devastated by the civil wars of the 17th century or by the neglect of their owners, the majority of Scottish baronial castles built between 1250 and 1450 survive as little more than skeletal ruins. These reminders of Scotland's past have captured the imaginations of romantics, artists, writers and tourists since the late 18th century. Often set in spectacular surroundings, on cliff-tops, islands, and gorges, their ruined grandeur evokes a medieval world of sieges, banquets and murders, and provides a rare physical link with the Anglo-Scottish wars of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Fortress: Strongholds of The Border Reivers 1296 - 1603AD - $23.00 Keith Durham. In the year 1296, Edward I of England launched a series of vicious raids across the Anglo-Scottish Border in his attempt to annexe Scotland. The Scots retaliated and the two countries were plunged into 300 years of war in which the Borderland became the frontline and raiding, or 'reiving,' encouraged by both sides, became a way of life. Keith Durham examines the Border fortresses, ranging from small, well-defended castles to imposing tower houses, or 'peles,' and a variety of fortified farmhouses known as 'bastles.' He also investigates the many churches that were strengthened against attack and in times of trouble served as sanctuaries for their congregations. Packed with full-colour photographs and detailed cut-away artwork, this is an ideal historical commentary for any tourist visiting the sites that are dotted across the whole of the Border region. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Men-At-Arms: Arthur and the Anglo-Saxon Wars - $23.00 David Nicolle. The Arthurian Age; the Celtic Twilight; the Dark Ages; the Birth of England; these are the powerfully romantic names often given to one of the most confused yet vital periods in British history. It is an era upon which rival Celtic and English nationalisms frequently fought. It was also a period of settlement, and of the sword. This absorbing volume by David Nicolle transports us to an England shrouded in mystery and beset by savage conflict, a land which played host to one of the most enduring figures of our history – Arthur. 48pp. Pb.
Osprey Men-At-Arms: Medieval Heraldry - $19.00 Terrance Wise. Coats of arms were at first used only by kings and princes, then by their great nobles, but by the mid-13th century arms were being used extensively by the lesser nobility, knights and those who later came to be styled gentlemen. In some countries the use of arms spread even to merchants, townspeople and the peasantry. From the mundane to the fantastic, from simple geometric patterns to elaborate mythological beasts, this fascinating work by Terence Wise explores the origins and appearance of medieval heraldic devices in an engagingly readable style accompanied by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Richard Hook. 48pp. Pb.
	Osprey Men-At-Arms: The Varangian Guard - $23.00 Raffaele d'Amato. The Varangian Guards were Viking mercenaries who operated far beyond their native shores as an elite force within the Byzantine Armies. Descendants from a legendary line of warriors, the Varangian Guard was formed after a group of Viking mercenaries made a major contribution to the Byzantine Emperor Basil II’s victory over rebel forces in 988 AD. These 5,000 men were then retained as Basil’s personal guard and would provide loyal service to many successive occupants of the imperial throne. Commonly referred to as ‘foreigners’ (Etaireia), they were nonetheless absorbed into a new Palatine regiment under command of an officer termed the Akolouthos, who was either a Norsemen or a Rus (Norsemen colonisers of Russia). The Varangians wore mixtures of their native clothing and armour together with a splendid formal Byzantine uniform. But most famously, they always wielded their own traditional battle-axes and in fact this became a sign that the emperor was on the battlefield in person. This is an insightful look of one of the legendary guard units of the medieval world. 48pp. Pb.
Osprey New Vanguard: Renaissance War Galley: 1470 - 1590AD - $23.00 Angus Konstam. For most of the Renaissance period, naval warfare in the Mediterranean was dominated by the war galley, a unique naval vessel for a momentous age. During the struggle for supremacy between Christian and Muslim powers, war galleys formed the backbone of the rival battlefleets. Different regions of the Mediterranean produced their own versions of the war galley, thereby producing a number of variants on the basic design tailored to the needs and resources of particular nations. This book examines the development of the war galley from its classically inspired resurrection in the 15th century until its demise in the early 17th century, providing the first ever in-depth study of this remarkable war machine. 48pp. Pb.
	Osprey New Vanguard: Tudor Warships (1) Henry VIII's Navy - $23.00 Angus Kntstam. In this book, maritime expert Angus Konstam explores the fledging Tudor Navy, tracing its history from its origins as a merchant fleet under Henry VII through to its emergence as a powerful force under Henry VIII. Examining the operational use of Henry VIII's warships the author analyses the battle of the Solent in 1545, in which Henry's fleet took on a French fleet of 200 ships - much larger than the Spanish Armada decades later. Despite the well-documented loss of his flagship, the Mary Rose, Henry's smaller force succeeded in preventing a French victory. Although many people will have heard of the mighty Mary Rose, this book will tell the story of more than just the tragic sinking of Henry's flagship, describing how one of history's most dynamic kings grew the navy from the five warships that were his father's legacy to 53 deadly gunships at the forefront of his empire-building strategy. Through contemporary illustrations and intricate artwork, the author traces the changing face of warship design during the Renaissance as Henry paved the way for English dominance of the sea. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey New Vanguard: Tudor Warships (2) Elizabeth I's Navy - $23.00 Angus Konstam. In his second volume on the Tudor navy, naval expert Angus Konstam covers the extraordinary transformation of the Tudor fleet during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This period witnessed the birth of a whole new breed of warships designed to dominate the seas and expand the corners of the empire. Detailing warfare during the age of Sea Dogs such as Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh, and the landmark event of the Spanish Armada, he explains the technological innovations that allowed this small but efficient navy to defeat the larger Spanish fleet.Packed with new research, in-depth analysis, photographs, full-colour reconstructions and detailed cutaway artwork, this book is a must for any lover of maritime history, and for anyone who wants to understand how Britain came to rule the waves, creating and retaining her supremacy across the seas throughout the age of fighting sail. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Anglo-Saxon Thegn 449 - 1066AD - $25.00 Mark Harrison. The collapse of Roman rule in Britain was not so much a sudden catastrophe as a long and drawn-out decline. The 'Celtic' Britons retreated gradually to the highland areas of Wales, Cornwall and the south-west of Scotland. Control of the fertile eastern lowlands was lost to warriors of Germanic origin who migrated from the Continent. These Germanic conquerors have become known to history as the 'Anglo-Saxons'. They were to dominate the lowland zone of Britain until their final defeat at Hastings in 1066. This title gives an insight into the everyday life, equipment, dress, battle tactics and life on campaign of the typical Anglo-Saxon warrior of this period – the thegn. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Border Reiver 1513 - 1603AD - $25.00 Keith Durham. Stretching from the North Sea to the Solway Firth, the Border region has a sharply diverse landscape and was a battleground for over 300 years as the English and Scottish monarchs encouraged their subjects to conduct raids across their respective borders. This Warrior title will detail how this narrow strip of land influenced the Borderer’s way of life in times of war. Covering every aspect of militant life, from the choice of weapons and armour to the building of fortified houses, this book gives the readers a chance to understand what it must have been like to live life in a late-medieval war zone. 62pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Byzantine Infantryman 900 - 1200AD - $26.00 Tim Dawson. The Byzantine Army was the closest the middle ages came to producing a military superpower. Built on a strong belief system emphasising stealth, surprise, swift manoeuvre and overwhelming force, the Byzantine infantryman was trained in survival, sword, spear and archery techniques and also land and sea combat and fighting within the foulkon 'turtle' formation. Timothy Dawson, an expert in the training and techniques of the Byzantine Army, details the everyday experience of the infantryman from his recruitment, through his twice-a-day training regime to his encounters with his enemies. Full-colour artwork richly illustrates their incredible warrior society and gives a real insight into how they lived. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Condottiere 1300 - 1500AD - $23.00 David Murphy. Originally contracted by wealthy Italian city states to protect their assets during a time of ceaseless warring, many condottieri of the Italian peninsula became famous for their wealth, venality and amorality during the 14th and 15th centuries. Some even came to rule cities themselves. Lavishly illustrated with contemporary depictions and original artwork, this title examines the complex military organization, recruitment, training and weaponry of the Condottieri. With insight into their origins and motivations, the author, Dr David Murphy, brings together the social, political and military history of these powerful and unscrupulous men who managed to influence Italian society and warfare for over two centuries. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: The Conquistidor 1492 - 1550AD - $23.00 John Pohl. Many accounts portray the conquest of the New World as a remarkable military achievement, with Cortés' vastly outnumbered but better armed Spaniards defeating hordes of superstitious savages. However, the reality of these events is far more complex and no less significant. The first Conquistadors who had sailed in search of prosperity, inspired by dreams of unlimited riches, soon became disillusioned and restless. With disease rampant, resources exhausted, and the Caribbean populations dwindling, they had little alternative but to find new territories and peoples to exploit. This title shows how, bolstered by influxes of war-hardened veterans from Europe and an army of over 30,000 allied Indian troops, they came to rely on and perfect what they knew best - killing for profit, and without mercy. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: English Longbowman 1330 - 1515AD - $25.00 Clive Bartlett. The English military ascendancy which lasted from the mid-14th to the early 15th century was founded upon defensive tactics based on the use of the longbow. This weapon, distinctive in that it was used by English forces alone, was probably the most effective missile weapon of the Late Middle Ages: its arrow had the same penetrative ability as a modern day bullet and the bow's rate of fire was not equalled by any weapon used by English forces until the adoption of the Lee Enfield rifle at the beginning of the 20th century. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: English Medieval Knight 1200 - 1300AD - $29.00 Christopher Gravett. The 13th century was a time of change for knights in England. They were faced with rising costs and increasing demands on their time for local government because of their very status in society, until knighthood itself was sometimes avoided. This period saw as well the development of the tournament from the wild team events of the early years of the century to the single jousts with blunt lance. Campaign life in the 13th century also embraced several theatres of war including the baronial revolt against King John, the Barons' Wars of Simon de Montfort, and the Welsh and Scottish wars of Edward I. This title also covers the use and development of arms, armour, costume and other equipment. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: English Medieval Knight 1300 - 1400AD - $23.00 Graham Turner. The 14th-century knight lived in a century of change, in terms of both recruitment methods and the appearance of fighting men. This book describes all aspects of the knight's life, including his training in the castle yard and the hard knocks of tournaments. The knight's daily routine on campaign is explored along with the role of mercenary knights, the motivation of knights in the field and the influence of chivalry. The book is beautifully illustrated with eight colour plates by Graham Turner covering all aspects of knighthood in this period and also includes photographs of rare surviving contemporary pieces of armour. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: English Medieval Knight 1400 - 1500AD - $23.00 Christopher Gravett. The 15th century was a time of change for knighthood. Knights no longer fought for their lords in return for land, since the feudal summons had long before given way to a system of contracts. Moreover, many knights now preferred the role of landowner, man-about-town or parliamentary representative. However, this was also the age of the knight in plate armour, of the battle of Agincourt and the conquests of Henry V, and of the Wars of the Roses, the bloody internecine struggle that tore medieval England apart. In this title Christopher Gravett describes the life of a 15th century knight, his equipment and experiences from his earliest days as a squire through to his experiences on the battlefields of England and France. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Gallowglass 1250 - 1600AD - $26.00 Fergus Cannan. Galloglass, from the Gaelic gallóglaigh for ‘foreign warriors’, were mercenaries from the Western Isles of Scotland who fought in the retinues of Irish magnates from the mid-13th century until the early 17th century. This work looks at the clan and family structures of the galloglass, their performance in battle, their weapons and armor and how these were made and by whom. The unique fighting skills and tactics of the galloglass are also studied, as well as how they were organized on the battlefield and their command structures and systems of rank. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Germanic Warrior 236 - 568AD - $23.00 Simon MacDowell. The 3rd to the 6th centuries saw the collapse of the classical Mediterranean civilization and the emergence of new states in western Europe based on the Germanic warrior society. This book focuses particularly on the men who made up the retinues of the Germanic warlords who carved kingdoms out of the carcass of the West Roman Empire. Although sources are scarce, Simon MacDowall constructs a convincing picture, using evidence from Roman historians, German archaeology and Anglo-Saxon poetry. The warriors' society, hierarchy, training, equipment, appearance, tactics and style of fighting are all examined, building a comprehensive portrait of the Germanic warrior in this period. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Italian Militiaman 1260 - 1392AD - $29.00 David Nicolle. Medieval Italy was characterized by regular warfare among its numerous city-states, as well as internal strife within comunes as aristocratic factions fought each other for domination of the cities' governments. In this context, Italian warfare developed quickly, with the crossbow playing a key role in improving the armour technology of the Italian city militias that used them. This book traces the evolution of the Italian militiaman, providing a comprehensive view of all aspects of the late medieval Italian city militias, from the weaponry, attitudes and social backgrounds of their members, to the political context that made such formations necessary. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Japanese Warrior Monk 949 - 1603AD - $29.00 Stephen Turnbull. From the 10th to the mid-17th century, religious organisations played an important part in the social, political and military life in Japan. Known as sohei ('monk warriors') or yamabushi ('mountain warriors'), the warrior monks were anything but peaceful and meditative, and were a formidable enemy, armed with their distinctive, long-bladed naginata. The fortified cathedrals of the Ikko-ikki rivalled Samurai castles, and withstood long sieges. This title follows the daily life, training, motivation and combat experiences of the warrior monks from their first mention in AD 949 through to their suppression by the Shogunate in the years following the Sengoku-jidai period. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Knight Hospitaller (1) 1100 - 1306AD - $25.00 David Nicolle. Unlike their sometime rivals the Templars, the Order of St John of the Hospital of Jerusalem (or the Hospitallers as they are better known) was not created as a result of the First Crusade in 1099: rather, it was probably established by a group of Italian merchants from Amalfi in the mid-11th century. However, as a consequence of the crusading movement, the Hospitallers became recognised experts in the military capabilities of opposing Islamic armies. This book, the first of two to examine the lifestyle, experiences and military role of the Hospitaller knight, covers the period from the foundation of the order to the invasion of Rhodes in 1306. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Knight of Outremer: 1187 - 1344AD - $25.00 David Nicolle. After Saladin's great victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1137, Outremer, as medieval westerners called the remaining Latin or Catholic enclaves in the eastern Mediterranean, was no longer a threat to Islam. Its military elites preferred to live in peace, focusing on trade as much as on the defence of Christendom's holy places. In this, the first book in the English language to objectively study the knights of the Latin East, David Nicolle presents a well-balanced and informed account of the Western warriors who defended the Crusader territories for so long. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Knight Templar 1120 - 1312AD - $25.00 Helen Nicholson. The order of the Temple was a military-religious organisation that was set up to protect pilgrims and settlers in the Holy Land. The Templars believed they were God's warriors fighting on God's behalf and developed a fearsome reputation among the neighbouring Muslim rulers. This book examines the men who joined the order and why they joined it, focusing on those who fought in the Holy Land. Based on contemporary sources it provides an effective insight into the daily lives of the warriors, from their admission ceremony to their training, organisation in the field, and how they fought in battle. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Late Roman Cavalryman 236 - 565AD - $29.00 Simon McDowall. The twilight of the Roman Empire saw a revolution in the way war was waged. The drilled infantryman, who had been the mainstay of Mediterranean armies since the days of the Greek hoplite, was gradually replaced by the mounted warrior. This change did not take place overnight, and in the 3rd and 4th centuries the role of the cavalryman was primarily to support the infantry. However, by the time of the 6th century, the situation had been completely reversed. Late Roman Cavalryman gives a full account of the changing experience of the mounted soldiers who defended Rome's withering western empire. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Mongol Warrior 1200 - 1350AD - $23.00 Stephen Turnbull. The Mongol warriors are one of the great success stories of world military history. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors the Mongols conquered much of the known world, fighting in territory ranging from the frozen steppes, the wilderness of Palestine, the jungles of Java and the great rivers of China. Through all this they showed a remarkable ability to adopt, adapt and improve a vast range of military techniques and technology, from siege weapons to naval warfare. This book tells the story of this remarkable military organisation, including details of weaponry, tactics, training and beliefs. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Ninja 1460 - 1650AD - $27.00 Stephen Turnbull. The Ninja were the secret agents and assassins of feudal Japan and they remain a subject of enduring fascination. They first emerged during the power struggles of 9th and 10th century Japan, in response to the increasing demand for spies, informants and even assassins, and they were used until the mid-1600s when they disappeared on account of a campaign to destroy them. This title provides an accurate and detailed account of the reality of the Ninja, detailing their daily life, training, hiring, combat use and secret operations; also covered are the Ninja's use and knowledge of poisons, medicines and charms. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Norman Knight 950 - 1204AD - $23.00 Christopher Gravett. Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries the Norman knight was possibly the most feared warrior in Western Europe. He was descended originally from the Vikings who had settled in Northern France under their leader Rollo in or around 911 at the behest of Charles the Simple and throughout the following centuries they remembered and built on their warlike reputation. This book shows how their military prowess was renowned throughout the known world and resulted in Normans conquering Sicily in 1060 and England in 1066, as well as participating in many important battles in Italy and playing a major part in the First Crusade. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Pictish Warrior 297-841AD - $25.00 Paul Wagner. First mentioned by name in AD 297, the Picts inhabited Northern Britain from the end of the 3rd century AD to the 9th. They rose to power in the devastation following Emperor Septimus Severus's repression of the Caledonians in AD 208, and dominated Northern Britain for over 500 years, before vanishing mysteriously. The Picts represent a high point of Celtic civilisation, remaining free and unconquered beyond the borders of the Roman world, and rising to become the first barbarians to form a recognisable 'nation'. This title takes a detailed look at their origins, and examines Pictish heroic and warrior society, covering education and training, appearance and equipment, the status of women, and the experience of battle. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Samurai 1550 - 1600AD - $29.00 Anthony J Bryant. This title details the culture, weapons, armour and training of the elite samurai warrior class in the fascinating Age of Battles period (1550-1600). This was a period of vital importance not only because of the political effects of the chaos but also due to the changes in warfare that occurred. In 1542 the Portuguese introduced the matchlock musket into Japanese warfare, and this book traces the effect that this important innovation had on the samurai. Life outside the field of battle is also examined, making this an unmissable book for those interested in this brave warrior caste. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Samurai Women 1184 - 1877AD - $27.00 Stephen Turnbull. From when the Empress Jingo-kogo led an invasion of Korea while pregnant with the future Emperor Ojin, tales of female Japanese warriors have emerged from Japan’s rich history. Using material that has never been translated into English before, this book presents the story of Japan’s female warriors for the first time, revealing the role of the women of the samurai class in all their many manifestations, investigating their weapons, equipment, roles, training and belief systems. Crucially, as well as describing the women who were warriors in their own right, like Hauri Tsuruhime and the women of Aizu, this book also looks at occasions when women became the power behind the throne, ruling and warring through the men around them. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Teutonic Knight 1190 - 1561AD - $27.00 David Nicolle. The Military Order of Teutonic Knights was one of the three most famous Crusading Orders, on a par with the Templars and the Hospitallers. Originally focusing on the preservation of the Crusader States in the Middle East, after the loss of their Middle Eastern enclaves in the 13th century, the Knights turned their attention to the Baltic. Over the next two centuries Northern Crusades were conducted against pagan Prussians and Lithuanians and, to a lesser extent, against Orthodox Russia. This title uses detailed illustrations and photographs to bring to life the appearance, beliefs and battle experience of the Teutonic Knights. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Warrior: Tudor Knight - $23.00 Christopher Gravett. The Tudor knight was the first line of defence employed by monarchs from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I, the last of a long tradition of knighthood dating back to the 11th century. Knighthood during the Tudor era saw reforms in recruitment, appearance, and most radically in training and equipment. This book details those changes, profiling the knight’s appearance and dress, life on campaign, and experience of battle in France, Scotland and Ireland. It also explores the concept of chivalry, as sensationally enacted by Henry VIII and Francis I of France at the celebrated Field of Cloth of Gold near Calais, in 1520. 64pp. Pb.
Osprey Warrior: Viking Hesir 793 - 1066AD - $25.00 Mark Harrison. When Norwegian Vikings first raided the European coast in the 8th century AD, their leaders were from the middle ranks of warriors known as hersirs. At this time the hersir was typically an independent landowner or local chieftain with equipment superior to that of his followers. By the end of the 10th century, the independence of the hersir was gone, and he was now a regional servant of the Norwegian king. This book investigates these brutal, mobile warriors, and examines their tactics and psychology in war, dispelling the idea of the Viking raider as simply a killing machine. 64pp. Pb.
	Osprey Weapons: Medieval Handgonnes: The First Black Powder Infantry Weapons - $26.00 Sean McLachlan. In the early 14th century, a new weapon entered the arsenals of European armies. This first generation of black powder weapons put fear into the heart of the enemy and in 1453 Ottoman cannon succeeded in pummelling the once-impregnable walls of Constantinople. But cannons, which are both slow and cumbersome, were difficult to use and often proved inaccurate. The first handgonnes were the answer. Easily dismissed by later historians as nothing more than crude tubes that shot wildly inaccurate lead balls, more recent research has revealed the true accuracy of the medieval handgonne together with its penetrative power. This volume, complete with detailed illustrations and colour photographs of reconstructed handgonnes, reveals the true history of what could easily have been the most revolutionary weapon in history. 80pp. Pb.
The Play of the Axe: Medieval Pollaxe Combat - $28.00 Hugh Knitght. This is the first book to teach the lost art of pollaxe combat that has been produced in over 550 years. Written by a well-known scholar and instructor of the German school of historical combat with more than 15 years of real armored combat experience, this book will teach you all you need to know to learn the knight art of the pollaxe. You will learn everything from fundamentals such as footwork, guards, simple strikes and displacements to more than sixty elegant techniques for using the axe to how to acquire the necessary equipment to practice to how to teach yourself the art. Lavishly illustrated with more than 380 photographs, this book is an amazing introduction to one of the least known but most important arts of combat in the knightly repertoire. 226pp. Pb.
	The Pourpoint of Charles De Blois - $47.00 Tashs Kelly. A pattern and instructions for recreating the Charles de Blois pourpoint, arare extant garment from 14th-century France. Its beautiful, complex design accentuates and accommodates an active man's physique. Over 600 years later, it has become popular among practitioners of historical martial arts. When adapted as a foundation garment under armour, it provides a full range of motion in the upper body and arms while maintaining a snug motionless fit around the waist and hips. This girdling allows a leg harness to be attached directly to the garment, distributing its weight efficiently. This pattern provides instructions for making a variety of adapted styles, both martial and civilian in purpose. 160pp. Sb.
Ready For Battle: Make Your Own Chain Mail Armour - $33.00 Steffen schnee. Whether it is for LARP, theatre production, living history event or other related hobbies, with your own hauberk, coife, trousers or other chain mail objects you are ready for battle. For those who prefer to make their own, this book is detailed instructions for making coats of mail and other items from chainmail. The reader can choose between different sections and patterns and learn the necessary techniques, including the manufacture of chain rings and the riveting of chain mail. (The cover illustration is in German, but this is the English version!). 64pp. Pb.
	Records of the Medieval Sword - $64.00 R Ewart Oakeshott. An extensive and thorough study of the origins, development and usage of the glamorous two-edged knightly sword of the European middle ages, with a complete typology. Spanning the period from the great migrations to the Renaissance, this book presents a selection from a very large body of photographs and research and gives a full and detailed record of the swords of that turbulent time. 316pp. Pb.
Secrets of The English War Bow - $28.00 Hugh DH Soar. Dominating medieval battlefields for more than two centuries but requiring long and arduous practice to command, the English war bow and its battle shaft are the symbols of the rise of British power in Europe. Despite being crafted for hundreds of years and wielded by generations of archers, no example of the war bow — the military version of the longbow — exists, outside of a single broken limb. Now for the first time, expert craftsmen use all available evidence including applied archaeology to unlock the secrets of the English war bow. Historian Hugh D. H. Soar is joined by Mark Stretton, master blacksmith, and Joseph Gibbs, bowyer, in order to demonstrate how a war bow and its associated arrow heads and shafts may have been constructed and used. In addition to showing the complete manufacture of a bow from tree selection to stringing and how specialized arrowheads were forged and attached to shafts, Secrets of the English War Bow provides information on the actual performance of the war bow, including the bow's effectiveness against various materials and, for the first time, its use against moving targets, since bows were often drawn against mounted soldiers. Armed with this new information, Soar provides an analysis of both successes and failures of the war bow in several important battles. Illustrated in color and black and white, Secrets of the English War Bow provides an invaluable service for those interested in medieval military history, archery, and technology. 240pp. Pb.
	Spada: An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott - $35.00 The project of the Swordplay Symposium International (SSI), this anthology of articles captures not only the “cutting edge” of scholarship relating to study of historical fighting treatises and techniques, but also stands as a paean to one of the sword communities greatest lights, Ewart Oakeshott. Containing Ewart’s last article, “Studying Arms within the Circumference of History,” as well as notable luminaries in the historical swordsmanship community record the current state of scholarship relating to the fantastic yet cryptic historical treatises. This volume is sure to appeal to historical and modern fencers, Medieval and Renaissance reenactors, stage combatants, military historians and arms & armor historians.
The Sword Through the Centuries - $28.00 Alfred Hutton. Engrossing, carefully researched and illustrated survey spanning five centuries covers the development of the sword from its earliest forms, beginning with the Age of Chivalry. Lively contemporary accounts provide details on swordplay between knightly opponents and later combatants who used such weapons as the two-hand sword, the rapier and its auxiliaries, dagger and small sword, broadsword, duelling sword and sabre. A fascinating book for anyone interested in the evolution of hand-held fighting weapons. 48 black-and-white illustrations. Historically accurate samples of weapons discussed: the great axes used in battle by a French knight and an English squire; combat between the Sieur de Jarnac and the Lord of Chastaigneraïe, both using the sword and buckler; two tailors fighting to the death with shield and cudgel (a short, thick club). 400pp. Pb.
	Swords & Daggers - $19.00 Eduard Wagner. Carefully researched, crisply written text traces the development of hand weapons from ancient times to the 20th century, and considers their importance as tools of battle as well as their dress and ceremonial significance. Captioned illustrations for more than 250 weapons depict bronze swords made almost 3,000 years ago, a sharply curved 18th-century Turkish kilij, and a wide range of sabers, broadswords, and rapiers. An indispensable sourcebook for collectors, students of warfare, and weaponry enthusiasts. 253 black-and-white illustrations. Pb.
The Crooked Stick: A History of the Longbow - $23.00 Hugh DH Soar. Although the longbow is best known for its deployment during the Hundred Years' War, its origins lie with ancient Saxon seafighters and Welsh craftsmen, while today the bow is a vibrant part of the traditional archery scene. Historian Hugh D. H. Soar pulls together all of these strings, presenting the engaging story of this most charismatic standoff weapon. After a careful consideration of Neolithic bows and arrows, the author describes the bow's use in the medieval hunt and its associated customs. The longbow made its deepest mark in warfare, however, and the author follows the weapon's development and tactical deployment from the hand-bow of William the Conqueror's campaigns to the continental set-piece battles between England and France. Through a remarkable command of manuscript and printed sources and a judicious use of material evidence, including his own important collection of rare longbows, Hugh Soar establishes the deep connections of this bow to England, Scotland, and Wales. Figures in the past like William Wallace, Edward III, and Henry V appear alongside detailed descriptions of bows, strings, arrows, and arrowheads, while the rise of institutions and craftsmen devoted to the longbow are presented to show how knowledge of this weapon was carried forward across the centuries. In addition to the illustrated text, the book contains appendices detailing the history and design of bracers, tabs and tips, quivers, and arrowheads associated with the longbow. 240pp. Pb.
	Yeoman's Guide To Basic Leather Armor - $13.00 Brian Pfeifer, Baron Sylvanus Perrin. Basic Leather Armor will help you start crafting armor right away. It covers all of the essential skill you need to make and customize leather armor for medieval combat. You'll use some of the techniques, like assembling straps and buckles, when you prepare steel or plastic armor for field use. If that isn't enough for you, we've also included a pattern and instructions for making a leather dog-collar gorget. As you work through this project, you'll practice most of the skills taught in the preceding pages. From buying leather, to tracing patterns, to stitching seams, to adding decoration, The Yeoman's Guide to Basic Leather Armor is perfect for novice fighters, and those who care for them. 33pp. Pb.