Gabriele Esposito – författare
Visar alla böcker från författaren Gabriele Esposito. Handla med fri frakt och snabb leverans.
64 produkter
64 produkter
Armies of the Crimean War, 1853 1856
History, Organization and Equipment of the British, French, Turkish, Piedmontese and Russian forces
Inbunden, Engelska, 2023
265 kr
Skickas
The Crimean War was the first major European war since the end of the Napoleonic Wars and Britain's only war on that continent in the century between Waterloo and WW1\. When Russia invaded provinces of the Ottoman Empire, the British and French, later joined by the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, intervened to limit Russian expansion towards the Black Sea.Each of the armies contained an eclectic mix of units. The regular European regiments still displayed much of the bright colour and finery associated with the Napoleonic era (the British infantry in their scarlet tunics forming the famous thin red line' at Balaklava for instance), while each also contained a mix of exotic units drawn from across their respective empires. The French fielded Zouaves and Spahis from North and West Africa, not to mention the legendary Foreign Legion; the Ottomans had Tunisians and Egyptians alongside Balkan mountaineers and the infamous Bashi-bazouks; the Russians of course had their Cossacks and the British fielded little-known German, Swiss and Italian mercenaries. Gabriele Esposito details the composition, organization, uniforms and weaponry of each force and illustrates many of them with early black and white photos (this being the first major war for which photography was available), as well as numerous colour artworks.
Armies of the Hellenistic States 323 BC to AD 30
History, Organization and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2019
213 kr
Skickas
This book provides a complete and detailed analysis of the organization and equipment employed by the armies of the Hellenistic States. After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, his immense Macedonian empire was divided between his ambitious generals, who in turn formed their own monarchies across Eastern Europe, Asia and North Africa. This work will follow the development of the Hellenistic military forces from the army bequeathed by Alexander the Great to the complex military machines that succumbed one by one in the wars against the expanding Romans. As decades and centuries progressed, Hellenistic warfare became always more sophisticated: the 'diadochi' (Alexander's successors) could field armies with thousands of men, chariots, elephants and siege machines; these came from all the territories of the former Macedonian Empire. The book will also show how Hellenistic forces were strongly influenced by Roman models during the last years of independence of their kingdoms. The states analysed are: Macedon, Seleucid Empire, Ptolemaic Egypt, Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, Armenia, Pergamon, Pontus, Cappadocia, Galatia, Bosporan Kingdom, Epirus, Sicily, Achaean League and Aetolian League.
Armies of the Roman Civil Wars and Slave Revolts, 135 BC–AD 69
History, Organization, Weapons and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2026
266 kr
Skickas
The year 135 BC saw the outbreak of the so-called ‘First Servile War’, which proved to be just the first of a series of conflicts that ravaged the Roman Republic during the following century and changed forever the institutions of the Roman state. This bloody and violent period of civil wars and recurrent slave revolts (most famously that of Spartacus) saw the ascendancy of many famous generals who obtained great military victories, including: Marius, Sulla, Crassus, Pompey, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavian. They fought for complete dominance over Rome but, at the same time, conducted a series of imperialist campaigns that greatly expanded the territorial extension of the Roman Republic. In discussing these campaigns of conquest, the author shows how they were strongly linked with the civil conflicts and how the events that started in 135 BC progressively led to the birth of the Roman Empire under Octavian (Augustus).The author also describes the only civil war taking place during the Early Empire, i.e. that of AD 69 (‘The Year of the Four Emperors’) before providing a detailed description of the organization and equipment of the varied military forces that took part in the Roman civil wars during this crucial period, outlining crucial developments across the period. As usual for the Armies of the Past series, there are dozens of colour photos depicting replica arms, armour and dress in use.
Napoleon's Cavalry, Artillery and Technical Corps 1799-1815
History, Organization and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2023
265 kr
Skickas
The French Army of Napoleon could count on a brilliant mounted arm, consisting of three main types of cavalry: heavy, medium and light. The first, consisting of carabiniers and cuirassiers, was tasked with conducting frontal charges; the second, consisting of dragoons and lancers, could perform a variety of different duties; the third, consisting of hussars and mounted chasseurs, was tasked with scouting and skirmishing. The various regiments were all dressed in flamboyant uniforms and distinctive equipment. Perhaps more than any other troops they encapsulated the dash and glamour of Napoleonic warfare.Napoleon started his military career as an artillery officer and thus always paid great attention to the quality of his army's artillery, which consisted of both foot and horse units. Several of Bonaparte's greatest victories were achieved thanks to the superiority of his artillery, which was with undoubtedly the best in Europe during the period 1799-1815\. In addition to cavalry and artillery, the author also covers the minor technical corps' of Napoleon's army, such as the engineers and supply train. All are beautifully illustrated by the many colour plates in this book, and their organization, equipment and tactics described.
265 kr
Skickas
Gabriele Esposito provides a detailed overview of the history, organization and uniforms of the British military forces during the long reign of George II (1727-1760). Perhaps best known for the Jacobite Rebellion, this period saw the British military forces greatly expanded and involved in two major international conflicts: the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War. The latter was truly a global war, subsuming the French and Indian wars fought in the Americas, as well as conflicts in India and elsewhere. By 1760, despite achieving little in Europe, Great Britain had been able to expel the French from both Canada and India.After a brief overview of the British forces prior to the period, the author examines each component. He covers not only the regular cavalry and infantry (the Guards, line, Highland and light regiments) but also the artillery and Royal Engineers, Corps of Invalids, the Fencibles, naval infantry, the auxiliary corps created to face the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and the ‘allied’ contingents from Germany and the Netherlands that fought for Great Britain during the period 1745-1760\. There are chapters devoted to the colonial forces deployed in the Thirteen Colonies of North America, with full details on the American militia and provincial military units, as well as forces deployed in the Caribbean and the military contingents of the East India Company. The book is illustrated throughout with excellent colour illustrations from _The Cloathing Book_ commissioned in 1742 by the Duke of Cumberland and from the oil paintings of David Morier preserved in the Royal Collections.
213 kr
Skickas
While artillery has been described as the queen of the Napoleonic battlefield, this was an era when cavalry could still play a decisive role in battle, as well as being vital on campaign. This volume covers both British cavalry and artillery of the Napoleonic Wars, as well as supporting units such as engineers. Gabriele Esposito describes the history, organization and uniforms of the various units in full detail, following the evolution and combat history of each. Mounted troops deployed in the various British colonies as well as foreign cavalry units in British service will be all covered in specific chapters. The technical corps, most notably the artillery (both foot and horse) and the engineers, are given similar treatment. Royal Marines naval infantry and some other 'auxiliary' corps (like the Yeomanry/militia cavalry or the Sea Fencibles, all very little known) are also included. The book is lavishly illustrated with dozens of colour paintings.
213 kr
Skickas
The period covered in this book is one of the most famed and glorious for the British Army and the infantry were its backbone. Gabriele Esposito examines how the foot regiments were reformed and evolved to absorb the lessons of defeat in America and setbacks elsewhere to become the efficient and dependable bedrock of victory in the Napoleonic Wars. He details the uniforms, equipment and weapons of the infantry, along with their organization and tactics. Chapters are devoted to the Guards, the line regiments of foot, the Light Infantry and Rifles as well as Highland and Lowland Scots regiments. The author considers not only those units serving with Wellington in the Peninsular War and Waterloo Campaign, but all British infantry units, including those in Canada, the West Indies, India and elsewhere, not forgetting even the home defence Fencibles. Foreign units serving with the British army, most notably the King's German Legion, are also included. The work is lavishly illustrated with colour artwork.
193 kr
Skickas
265 kr
Skickas
The Byzantine Empire originated in AD 395 from the definitive subdivision of the Roman Empire into two distinct political entities: the Western Empire and the Eastern Empire. While the Western Empire disappeared in 476, due to Germanic invasions, the Eastern Empire endured for centuries. During Justinian’s reign (527-565) a good portion of the western territories were reconquered for a time and the Empire retained a distinctive ‘Roman’ nature at least until the reign of Heraclius (610-641). But during his reign, the Eastern Empire came under attack from the expanding Muslim Arabs, losing a much of its original Eastern territories. With Imperial power weakened and restricted largely to the Balkans and Anatolia, the ‘Roman’ nature of the Eastern Empire became progressively more Greek and transformed into what we know as ‘the Byzantine Empire’ (though they called themselves Romans to the end).Despite being surrounded by enemies, the Byzantines defended their remaining domains for a further half a millenium, their territories expanding and contracting with fluctuating fortunes. This tenacious survival was largely due to the ability of their military to adapt (as Roman armies always had) to emerging threats from a wide variety of enemies. The Byzantine Empire collapsed only in 1204, when attacked by forces of the Fourth Crusade, its ostensible allies. In addition to presenting an overview and analysis of the various campaigns of the period, Gabriele Esposito provides a complete review of Byzantine military organization, weapons, tactics and equipment. The clear text is lavishly illustrated with dozen of colour photographs of replica arms, armour and costume in use.
British Army of Queen Victoria, 1837–1901
Organization, Uniforms and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2025
265 kr
Skickas
In 1837, Queen Victoria inherited an army that had not changed greatly from that which defeated Napoleon in 1815, although reform was already under way. The process of reorganization and modernization, however, continued throughout her reign. As the British army protected and extended the Empire, it strove to adapt to rapidly advancing technology and an incredible array of enemies and environments. This was the period in which many of the of its most famous battle honours were won, such as Balaklava, Rorke’s Drift and Omdurman.Gabriele Esposito gives a comprehensive overview of the history, organization, weapons and uniforms of the various components of the British army. All branches of the service are included: Foot Guards, line infantry, Highland infantry, light infantry, rifle corps (the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and the Rifle Brigade), Life Guards and Horse Guards, Dragoon Guards, Dragoons, Light Dragoons, Hussars, Lancers, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and Royal Army Service Corps. The Royal Marines and Royal Marine Artillery, while technically part of the Royal Navy, are also covered as they often fought with the land forces. The ‘legions’ of British volunteers who fought abroad and the foreign military units in British service are also considered. He traces the great changes that happened across the period in both military dress (the famous red coats giving way to khaki) and equipment (notably, muskets being replaced by breech-loading rifles and machine guns). Dozens of beautiful colour artworks illustrate this glorious period of British military history.
Queen Victoria's Colonial Troops, 1837-1901
Organization, Uniforms and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2025
265 kr
Skickas
Queen Victoria famously presided over an empire upon which the sun never set. Extending, defending and policing Britain’s global territories required the British Army to fight a bewildering array of foes, in equally varied terrain and climates. From the subarctic mountains of Canada to the Sahara Desert and the South African veldt, from the jungles of West Africa and central India to China, the British forces flew the flag. The task was only made possible by the recruitment of troops from throughout the colonies, some of which then served far from home (such as the Australians used in the Boer Wars). Colonial troops not only boosted the numbers available to the Empire’s forces but their local knowledge of climate and terrain, as well as their differing fighting styles, offered vital variety and flexibility. This allowed the ‘British’ armies to adapt to the wide range of enemies and environments encountered.Gabriele Esposito offers an excellent overview of the troops raised from every corner of the British Empire, discussing their organization, weapons, uniform and equipment as well as how and where they were employed. The informative text is lavishly illustrated with colour artworks.
Armies of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, 550-330 BC
Organization, Weapons and Tactics
Inbunden, Engelska, 2025
265 kr
Skickas
Gabriele Esposito presents a detailed overview of the history, organization, equipment and tactics of the military forces deployed by Achaemenid Persia during the period 550-330 BC. The Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great was one of the major military powers of Antiquity, conquering vast territories that straddled three continents. Its large and varied population supplied a dazzling array of troop types, producing a versatile war machine that campaigned from India to Egypt. These were the armies that drank rivers dry as they invaded Greece and, at the Empire’s zenith, defeated the Spartans at Thermopylae and torched Athens. They continued to evolve but proved unable to cope with Alexander the Great’s Macedonians.The author outlines the major campaigns fought by the Persians from Cyrus the Great to the conquest by Alexander. He details the organization, equipment and tactics of the many different contingents that made up the Persian military forces, including (but not limited to) the famous royal guard of the Immortals, and such varied troops as Persian archers, scythed chariots, Ionian Greek hoplites, Arab camel riders, Scythian horse archers, Sogdians and Bactrian armoured cavalry, Thracian peltasts, Egyptians and Indian war elephants. The text is complemented by a colourful mix of photos of reenactors and specially-commissioned artworks.
266 kr
Kommande
Gabriele Esposito offers a clear, concise overview of the Wars of the Roses, the complex series of civil wars that ravaged the Kingdom of England for three decades, from 1455 to 1487. Stemming from a rivalry between two cadet branches of the Plantagenet dynasty, the houses of York and Lancaster, which went back at least to 1377 (when Edward III’s death brought the 10 year old Richard II to the throne), open war began in 1455 with the First Battle of St Albans, a Yorkist victory over the forces of King Henry VI. The following decades were bloody and turbulent with recurrent fighting, culminating in Henry Tudor’s decisive victories at Bosworth in 1485 and (by then as Henry VII) at Stoke Field in 1487.The author traces the convoluted course of this large-scale conflict, which involved not only England and Wales but also several other countries of Europe. Scotland and Ireland were directly affected by them, as well as the Kingdom of France (which played a prominent role in the final victory of Henry Tudor) and the Duchy of Burgundy (which supported the House of York). He describes and analyses in detail the organization and equipment of the various military contingents that took part in these wars, from the heavily-armoured men-at-arms to the celebrated longbowmen and not forgetting the various foreign mercenaries and allied contingents. As usual for the Armies of the Past series, there are dozens of full colour photographs of replica weapons, armour and costumes in use to illustrate the various types of troops.
British Army of the American War of Independence
History, Organization and Uniforms
Inbunden, Engelska, 2026
265 kr
Kommande
The American War of Independence was arguably the greatest test of the British Empire's military might before the World Wars and the outcome had far-reaching consequences. When revolt broke out in the thirteen colonies, Britain enjoyed unrivalled naval supremacy backed by a dominant economy, yet its army was relatively weak and overstretched. There were a large number of Loyalist regiments who fought for their king, but these were hastily raised militia. To strengthen their forces with trained and disciplined troops, the British were forced to rely on numerous European 'auxiliaries' (often erroneously described as mercenaries), many of them German. The latter, usually referred to collectively as 'Hessians', came to make up around a quarter of British land forces. These enjoyed a fearsome reputation for their training and morale on the battlefield but their presence, and accusations of brutality, did nothing to dampen the spirit of rebellion. Gabriele Esposito examines all the forces employed by the British, detailing their organization, uniforms and the tactics that they were forced to adapt to counter a resourceful enemy in new conditions (such as the development of rifle-armed sharpshooters). This is the army that fought at such famous battles as Lexington, Princeton, Bunker Hill, and Long Island. The uniforms are lavishly illustrated in all their colour and variety by dozens of colour artworks. AUTHOR: Professor Gabriele Esposito is a history teacher specialized in military history, whose interests and expertise range widely over various periods. He is the author of numerous books and articles on armies and uniforms and is a regular contributor to many specialized magazines in Italy, France, Netherlands and UK. 60 colour illustrations
265 kr
Kommande
The American War of Independence was one of the most significant wars of the Early Modern period and certainly one of the greatest military upsets, with George Washington's rebel army humbling the might of the British Empire. When revolt broke out, the thirteen colonies were dependent on ragtag local militias. These enjoyed some early successes in small-scale engagements through their hit-and-run tactics but the need for a regular army capable of standing up to the British forces in conventional engagements was soon realized. Thus was born the Continental Army which, by learning from its many defeats and with the help of its allies, would eventually march and fight its way to victory. Gabriele Esposito examines all the forces employed by the American rebels, detailing their organization, uniforms and the tactics that they employed to resist the might of the British Empire. This is the army that fought at such famous battles as Lexington, Princeton, Bunker Hill, Guildford Courthouse and Yorktown. The beautiful uniforms of the period are illustrated by dozens of colour artworks. AUTHOR: Professor Gabriele Esposito is a history teacher specialized in military history, whose interests and expertise range widely over various periods. He is the author of numerous books and articles on armies and uniforms and is a regular contributor to many specialized magazines in Italy, France, Netherlands and UK. 60 colour illustrations
265 kr
Kommande
Following the evacuation of the Roman troops after AD 410, Britain entered a period characterized by the co-existence of competing military systems. The Britons, who had been progressively ‘Romanized’ during the previous centuries, retained many elements of the military organization that was typical of the Late Empire; these, however, were mixed with important components drawn from pre-Roman Celtic tradition. In Wales the ‘Romanization’ of the local population had never been complete and the Britons from this region fought in a way that had evolved relatively little from the pre-Roman era. The military forces of Sub-Roman Britain faced two main kinds of enemies from the early fifth century AD, the Celtic peoples coming from Scotland or Ireland and the Germanic communities coming from Continental Europe, each bringing distinctive styles of warfare and equipment drawing on their own traditions.Gabriele Esposito details the military campaigns that took place in Britain from the mid-fifth century AD to the final phase of Saxon expansion. He describes how the Late Roman system of military defence crumbled in Britannia and how its remnants gave birth to the Sub-Roman armies of the so-called ‘Arthurian Age’. He considers the most recent theories regarding the historicity of the figure of Arthur, and provides full detail on the military history of the Britons’ enemies: Picts, Scots, Saxons, Angles and Jutes. The greatest attention is given to detailed descriptions of the organization, equipment and tactics of the various military forces, with numerous colour photographs showing replica weapons, armour and costume in use.
Armies of Homeric Greece, 1750 to 500 BC
The Minoan, Mycenaean, Dark Age and Archaic Greek Periods
Inbunden, Engelska, 2026
388 kr
Kommande
Gabriele Esposito offers a fascinating overview of warriors, weapons and warfare in the Greek world during the approximate period of 1750 to 500 BC. This period predates the familiar Classical Greek world and much of it is shrouded by the mists of time and interwoven with myth and legend but much has been revealed by archaeology and surviving pictorial representations. And, of course, we have the epic poetry attributed to Homer, which describes the Trojan War and its aftermath.The Minoan civilization, based on Cyprus, built an empire that dominated the eastern Aegean through seapower. The Mycenaean culture, which absorbed the Minoans around 1450 BC, was a real superpower of the Bronze Age, interacting as equals with the great Middle Eastern empires of the Hitties and Egyptians. Mycenaean warlords, ruling from fortified palaces, often fought one another but united under the legendary Agamemnon to lay siege to Troy. The Trojan War was, arguably, the last great historical event of the Aegean Bronze Age and the Mycenaean civilization collapsed shortly after, due in part to the influx to mainland Greece of the equally warlike Dorians. Greece was plunged into the ‘Dark Age’ from which the famous city-states only gradually emerged into the Archaic Period. Gabriele describes the fighting men of this age of heroes, looking in detail at weapons, armour and the changing nature of the endemic conflicts. His clear, accessible text is supported by dozens of colour images of replica weapons, armour and clothing in use.
213 kr
Skickas
This volume covers the infantry units of Napoleon's Imperial Army, during the crucial years 1800-1815. When the future Emperor assumed control of France, the infantry of his army was disorganized and poorly equipped; it lacked discipline and was trained in a quite old-fashioned way. Napoleon acted very rapidly to resolve the major problems of his foot troops, by giving them a new structure and by teaching them new tactics. By 1805, the French infantry was without a doubt the best in the world in terms of combat capabilities. The book will cover all the categories of units that were part of Napoleon's infantry: line regiments, light regiments, foreign corps and special corps. It is not always realized that the French infantry of 1800-1815 included large numbers of foreign soldiers and even an Irish Legion; all these little-known corps are taken into consideration, together with several special corps like Corsican light infantry and mountain infantry. Gabriele Esposito provides a complete guide to the French infantry of Napoleon, illustrated with rare contemporary uniform plates that have never been published before.
Armies of Plantagenet England, 1135–1337
The Scottish and Welsh Wars and Continental Campaigns
Inbunden, Engelska, 2022
265 kr
Skickas
The ascent of the Plantagenets to the English throne in 1154 led to the beginning of a new historical phase in the British Isles, which was marked by numerous wars that were fought between the Kingdom of England and the 'Celtic nations' of Wales, Scotland and Ireland. During the rule of the Norman kings, the English armies had not completed the conquest of Wales and had established only some footholds in Ireland; Scotland was still independent and was ready to contest the Plantagenets' possession of northern England. As a result of this situation, the two centuries between the rise of the new dynasty and the beginning of the Hundred Years' War were characterized by a series of wars that ravaged feudal England. Gabriele Esposito covers all these conflicts, following the campaigns of Richard the Lionheart as well as those of his younger brother who was defeated on the continent at the large Battle of Bouvines; the conquest of Wales is analysed in detail, as well as the First Scottish War of Independence that saw William Wallace playing a prominent role. The organization and equipment of all the troop types taken into account is described in full detail and lavishly illustrated with colour images of reenactors, bringing these forces to life.
Roman Army of the Middle Empire, AD 180-284
Weapons, Organization and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2024
265 kr
Skickas
During the Middle Empire period (AD 180-284) the Roman army had to face the terrible ‘Third Century Crisis’, wherein a combination of socio-economic problems and new external threats threatened the Empire with complete collapse. Several provinces became temporarily independent from the central government of Rome, while others were frequently raided by foreign invaders. The Roman army had to fight with all its resources in order to reconquer a good portion of the Empire and preserve its unity. The Romans were forced to modernize and reform their forces to face the new challenges posed by a multitude of warlike enemies, such as the Persians in the Middle East or the Germanic Peoples in Central Europe. The previous military system based on the power of the legions’ heavy infantry was completely revised, with the introduction of new organizational patterns. Cavalry became much more important than before, together with light troops specialized in skirmishing. The personal equipment of the Roman soldiers changed in a very significant way, with the introduction of new weapons that permitted the development of innovative tactics.Gabriele Esposito follows this evolution of Roman forces from the death of Marcus Aurelius to the rise of Diocletian, reconstructing the major military campaigns and explaining how the Roman military forces were transformed. All the major troop types are covered, with details on the organization and equipment of each contingent. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with excellent colour photos of reconstructed costume and equipment in use.
Armies of Dark Ages Europe, 613-987
Charlemagne, the Carolingians and their Enemies
Inbunden, Engelska, 2024
265 kr
Skickas
The centuries that followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476 saw the formation of numerous Romano-Germanic kingdoms from the fusion between different Germanic communities and the Roman population. In time the Frankish Kingdom came to dominate over all the others and conquered most of continental Europe under the guidance of the famous Carolingian royal family. In the book we will follow the military ascendancy of the warlike Franks from 613 to 987.The greatest protagonist of this bloody period was Charlemagne, probably the greatest military commander of the Early Middle Ages. He transformed the Frankish kingdom into a large state – the Holy Roman Empire – that dominated most of continental Western Europe for almost a century. Charlemagne spent his long reign (768-814) fighting against a multitude of warlike enemies who lived on the frontiers of his dominions: Arabs, Basques, Bretons, Frisians, Vikings, Saxons, Thuringians, Slavs, Avars, Bavarians and Lombards. He obtained some spectacular victories over the latter, but also suffered some humiliating defeats like the famous one of Roncevaux Pass. Gabriele Esposito follows the evolution of the Frankish Army from the rise of the Franks’ under the Merovingian monarchs to the dissolution of the Carolingian royal family, reconstructing the most important military campaigns in detail. All the major troop types are covered, providing information on the organization and equipment of each contingent. The enemies of the Franks are also considered. The clear text is illustrated with dozens of stunning colour photographs depicting replica weapons and equipment of the period in use.
Armies of the Steppe Nomads, 376–1227
from the Coming of Attila's Huns to the Death of Genghis, Great Khan of the Mongols
Inbunden, Engelska, 2024
265 kr
Skickas
Gabriele Esposito presents an overview of the history, organization and equipment of the military forces deployed by the nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppes during the period from the appearance of the Huns in Eastern Europe to the death of Genghis Khan. Each chapter is devoted to a different group that played a prominent military role during Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Starting with the Huns of Attila, whose migration was one of the key factors behind the fall of the Roman Empire, he moves on to the Avars, who established a large state in Eastern Europe that contested with Charlemagne’s Frankish Empire. Chapter three covers the Magyars, who terrorized most of Europe during the tenth century before creating the Kingdom of Hungary. Next are the Bulgars, who became the worst enemies of the Byzantine Empire in the Balkans but also created a flourishing state in the Volga region of Russia. The Khazars and the Alans share a chapter, as do the Pechenegs and Cumans-Kipchaks, while the Turks merit a dedicated chapter. Last but not least are the Mongols, who are traced from the unification of their tribes to the death of the great Genghis Khan.By describing the military organization, weapons and tactics of these nomadic peoples the author shows how they dominated the battlefields of the world for almost 1,000 years thanks to their superior capabilities. He also discusses how they interacted with other civilizations and how the latter learned a lot from them, especially militarily. Without the existence of the warlike nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppes, the history of the world would have been very different.
Armies of the Hundred Years' War 1337–1453
History, Organization, Weapons, Equipment and Tactics
Inbunden, Engelska, 2025
265 kr
Skickas
The Hundred Years' War is one of the most famous conflicts in British history, featuring such renowned battles as Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt. It is a period littered with such legendary names as the Black Prince, Henry V and Joan of Arc, and a fascinating one for the development of warfare, weapons and armour.Gabriele Esposito puts the conflict in context with an overview of earlier Anglo-French conflicts and the roots of the dispute between the Plantagenet and Valois dynasties. He then devotes several chapters to giving a concise overview of the dramatic events of the war, before moving on to describe in detail the organization, tactics, weapons, armour and equipment of all the varied forces. Those drawn in by various alliances, such as Scottish, Spanish and Burgundian troops are not forgotten. He shows the evolution of warfare across the period, from the early dominance of the longbowmen over the French knights to the increasing importance of artillery in the Valois recovery. As usual for The Armies of the Past series, Gabriele Esposito’s informative text is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs of replica weapons, armour and clothing in use.
Armies of the Scythians and Sarmatians 700 BC to AD 450
Weapons, Equipment and Tactics
Inbunden, Engelska, 2024
299 kr
Skickas
The Scythians were a horse nomads from the central Eurasian steppes who migrated south and west into the region around the Black Sea from the seventh century BC which they dominated until replaced and absorbed by the very similar Sarmatians from the third century BC. A harsh life spent riding, herding and hunting on the steppes made them into tough warriors, and highly skilled horsemen and archers. Their armies were highly mobile, mostly comprising swift mounted archers capable of elusive hit-and-run attacks but with the wealthier warriors constituting a core of heavier cavalry, armoured and equipped for close combat. Over hundreds of years the Scythians fought, and often defeated, such notable opponents as the Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Greeks and Macedonians. Their Sarmatian successors continued the tradition, being among the Romans’ most dangerous opponents for several centuries.Gabriele Esposito discusses these remarkable warriors of the steppes, analysing what made them such formidable opponents to their neighbours over the centuries. He describes in detail their weapons, armour, equipment and tactics as they evolved over the centuries. The fascinating text is supported by dozens of beautiful colour photographs of replica costume, arms and equipment in use.
265 kr
Skickas
The Norman story began in 911, when a frightened French king (Charles III ‘the Simple’) gave land on the Channel coast to the Viking leader Rollo in return for adopting Christianity and helping repel other Viking marauders. Rollo and his fellow Norsemen (hence ‘Normandy’ and ‘Normans’) adopted all the trappings of feudalism, evolving from pagan ship-borne raiders to archetypal Christian knights and builders of castles. However, they seem to have lost none of their ferocity and adventuring spirit. As well as Duke William’s famous cross-Channel conquest, Norman forces (often mercenaries) conquered territories in Spain, Sicily, Malta, Italy and Albania and formed the hard core of the early Crusades. Bohemond captured Antioch from the Turks and set up a principality that endured almost two centuries.Gabriele Esposito discusses the armies of the Normans in all these theatres, incorporating not only the Norman knights but the various feudal levies, local auxiliaries and mercenary contingents that fought with them. Having outlined the major battles and campaigns, he details their equipment, weapons and tactics. The accessible text is supported by numerous colour photographs of replica costume, weapons and equipment in use.
Prussian Army of Frederick the Great, 1740-1786
History, Organization and Uniforms
Inbunden, Engelska, 2024
265 kr
Skickas
Frederick the Great was an acknowledged master of war. Admired and studied by Napoleon, he commanded the Prussian army at sixteen major battles and numerous sieges and other actions, often leading from the front. Under Frederick the Prussian Army became arguably the most feared and efficient in Europe, often defeating numerically superior forces. Gabriele Esposito details the organization, uniforms and equipment of the various branches of service that made up the Prussian Army. Starting with the infantry, whose incredible discipline and excellent training made them the backbone of Frederick's forces he details the famous Guards and the line regiments but also the light infantry jagers and even little-known garrison and auxiliary units. Equal attention is given to the cavalry: Guards, cuirassiers, dragoons, lancers and hussars. There is also a chapter devoted to the 'technical corps' of artillery, pioneers and the like, and there are chapters on the mercenary 'freikorps' and Frederick's German allies. The whole is lavishly illustrated with beautiful colour plates.
Armies of the Crusaders, 1096–1291
History, Organization, Weapons and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2023
299 kr
Skickas
The Crusades were among the most astonishing historical events that took place during the Middle Ages. After centuries of relative isolation following the fall of the Roman Empire, Western Europe looked again towards the Middle East in search of lands to conquer. Incited by the Church to believe that the Holy Land must be ‘liberated’ from its Muslim rulers (who had by then occupied it for centuries), and that to do so would bring spiritual salvation, many thousands from all over Christian Europe ‘took the cross’ and joined the Crusades. Led by some of the most illustrious personalities of the age, such as Richard the Lionheart and Frederick Barbarossa, they fought numerous campaigns and even founded new ‘Crusader states’, some of which lasted for almost two centuries.Gabriele Esposito gives an overview of the key events of these campaigns, from the First Crusade in 1096 to the fall of Acre, the last Christian stronghold in the Holy Land, in 1291. He analyses the various contingents that made up the Crusader forces, describing their equipment and tactics and showing how they attempted to adapt to unfamiliar terrain and enemies. Included, of course, are the military orders (the Templar, Hospitaller and Teutonic knights) who combined the religious fervour of a monastic brotherhood with martial prowess, forming an elite core to the Christian forces. As usual, the informative text is lavishly illustrated with colour photos depicting replica weapons and equipment in use.
Carthaginian Armies of the Punic Wars, 264–146 BC
History, Organization and Equipment
Inbunden, Engelska, 2023
265 kr
Skickas
The Carthaginians were undoubtedly the most formidable enemies of the ever-expanding Roman Republic, due to their sophisticated and often well-led military forces. Although the citizens of Carthage itself, a seafaring, mercantile state by tradition, may not have had the same military ethos as the Romans, they compensated by fielding varied multinational armies consisting of subject, allied and mercenary contingents, many of them recruited from the most famous warrior peoples of the Mediterranean. These included the incomparable Numidian light cavalry, the famed slingers of the Balearic islands, fierce Celts and skilled Spanish swordsmen, not forgetting the famous war elephants. During the first of the three conflicts that they fought against the Roman Republic - the famous Punic Wars - the Carthaginians completely reformed their land forces along Hellenistic lines and invited an experienced Spartan officer to command it. During the Second Punic War, they obtained a series of stunning victories over the Romans under the brilliant leadership of their own Hannibal Barca, marauding through Italy for some fifteen years.Gabriele Esposito reconstructs the history, organization and weapons of the Carthaginian military forces across the Punic Wars (264-146 BC). The weapons, armour and tactics of each of the various ethnic components is analyzed and the accessible text is supported by dozens of excellent colour photographs, showing replica equipment in use.
265 kr
Skickas
In the early 5th century, Germanic Angles, Saxons and Jutes crossed the North Sea in increasing numbers and began settling among the ruins of the former Roman province of Britannia. This led to centuries of warfare as these 'Anglo-Saxons' carved new, independent kingdoms at the point of the sword, fighting the native Britons and each other. From the late eighth century they also had to face the threat of the Vikings, at first as opportunistic raiders but increasingly bent on conquest. The last Viking invasion was defeated by Harold Godwinson at Stamford Bridge but he was defeated by the Normans in that same fatal year of 1066, ending the Anglo-Saxon Age.Gabriele Esposito gives an overview of Anglo-Saxon military history, narrating the great campaigns, such as those of Alfred the Great of Wessex and Harold Godwinson. He discusses in detail the composition of Anglo-Saxon forces, their tactics, weapons and equipment, detailing developments across the period. The informative, accessible text is supported by dozens of colour images showing replica Saxon war gear in use.
265 kr
Skickas
The period covered in this book saw the Roman Republic face its greatest military challenges. In 264 the Romans were pitted against the might of Carthage in the first of the three Punic Wars, which would push Rome to the brink but end with the destruction of this great rival city. In the following two centuries they would clash repeatedly with the Gauls, this recurrent threat finally overcome by Caesar's campaigns in Gaul. In this period they defeated the Hellenistic Successor states, proud heirs to the military legacy of Alexander the Great, a process completed by the annexation of Egypt in 30 BC. These wars, and others, made the Romans masters of all Western Europe and the whole Mediterranean basin, though failure against the Parthians limited their ambitions in the East. The Roman armies of this era were also employed against each other in the vicious civil wars that marked the end of the Republican period.Gabriele Esposito describes the tactics, organization, weapons and equipment of the Roman forces involved in these wars. He shows how the lessons of defeats and victories against such varied opponents in far-flung theatres, as well as social changes, forced a process of evolution and reforms that transformed Roman armies across this turbulent period. As usual, his clear, accessible text is supported by dozens of colour images of replica weapons and equipment in use.