Weapons and Fighting Techniques of the Medieval Warrior: 1000 - 1500AD

by Martin J. Dougherty

This richly illustrated book provides an overview of the medieval world and a guide to the typical battlefield and the armies that populated it. From the Battle of Hastings to the Battle of Agincourt, see in detail how the weapons and fighting tactics of archers, artillerymen, bowmen, knights, and even peasants developed over the centuries.including how to fire a longbow, fight with a sword and a buckler, attack with a lance, defend with a pole axe, and many other techniques.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, War, Medieval History, Medieval, Military History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Hailing from northeast England, Martin J Dougherty is a professional writer specialising in military history. He has been at times a games designer, an engineer, a self-protection instructor, a teacher and a defence analyst. Martin has published a range of books covering topics as diverse as self-protection, medieval warfare and space flight, and has addressed international conferences on anti-shipping missiles and homeland security issues.

Martin's interests include martial arts and fencing. He has coached Fencing, Ju-Jitsu, Self-Defence and Kickboxing for many years at the University of Sunderland, and has competed to national level as a fencer. As a martial artist he holds black belts in Combat Ju-Jitsu, Nihon Tai-Jitsu and Self-Defence. Martin is a Senior Assessor with the Self-Defence Federation and an IL1 instructor/assessor with the Britsh Federation for Historical Swordplay, specialising in the Military Sabre and the Smallsword.

Reviews

[Marilag · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally don't do reviews on history books, because I either think they hold decent amounts of information or they don't. And typically, one reads history books to get whatever information is sought after. But this particular one was pretty damn good, so I make exceptions.

Again, most historians mention medieval warfare, and immediately they expect to get away with only hinging on Western Europe. Which is a pain, since I've mainly been looking for a general look at medieval warfare in the Eastern portion of Europe. You know, in between the Ottomans and the Anglo-Saxon/French/Italians. Was that so much to ask?

Anyway, while this book focuses on quite a number of French and English battles, it does give some examples that pull further East; which is, in my opinion, a big plus. But the best bit about Weapons & Fighting Techniques of the Medieval Warrior is the fact that the author went so far as to provide illustrations of armor and weaponry, the description of each type of soldier, and to top it off, he throws in the strategies and formations in certain battles. There were diagrams for types of warfare, even some that's pretty useful for what I was looking for. Not that I'm about to wage war or anything, but you never know when I can get all medieval on people.

So yeah, very good read.

[Sandra Huerta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great source of information, really well illustrated. I will keep returning to it for facts and data. 👍🏽

[Waldo Varjak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and authoritative, distilling information over 215 pages to the point, offering vivid pictures and clear line drawn diagrams; this is just what I want in a reference guide along with the generous 2-page bibliography at the end for further reading followed by a 6½ page index.

Not only does the work explain period concepts permeating the weaponry, technology and fighting techniques of the period, allowing the reader to reconsider the concept of war as it was approached by men on the field, but it does so with an organization that opens the door of understanding to anyone, particularly the novice.

The writing is brisk and inviting aided by battle maps and descriptions of engagements that highlight one of the four elements of battle this book considers: Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery, and Siege.

It is a great resource from which to start a more serious study, or to simply ask more penetrating questions from a better appreciation of military conflagrations between 1000 – 1500 AD.

Worth it. http://amzn.to/1C1dEIj

[Curtis Mullins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good introduction to medieval warfare and weapons. Often uses wrong terminology and over simplifies, but that is par for the course. Would say I disagree with the author's interpretation of medieval knights. Dougherty seems to see medieval knights as rash, impulsive glory seekers. I believe the evidence points else where and many would disagree with his assessment. I also don't agree with all works that he used as sources. Some don't seem that reliable or are massively outdated. Using Charles Oman's Art of War in the Middle Ages seems wrong to me, with the current historical consensus disagreeing with many of his interpretations.

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very strong overview on the subject. Does a good job of being thorough and relatively detailed, without getting bogged down in those details. The photos and illustrations are good and definitely add to the quality of the text.

The author also includes a few potentially "controversial" subjects like the use of military flails; some historians believe they were barely used at all, but he gives them a reasonable thorough inclusion.

This isn't a book that has every iteration of swords, maces, or armor through the ages, but it's a high-quality easy-read reference.

[Thee Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weapons & Fighting Techniques of the Medieval Warrior 1000-1500 AD by Martin J. Dougherty
I needed some light reading while at work so I picked this up and really enjoyed it. Lots of tidbit information on how battles were fought in medieval times. What I enjoyed was the diagrams of the battle formations and diagrams of the armor and clothing they would wear.

[Daniel Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as research for writing epic fantasy battles, and it's been an incredible resource. Dougherty gives great observations about various medieval battles, the politics which caused them, common armaments used, and how well-laid plans were often foiled by the realities of pitched warfare. Would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the general history of medieval warfare.

[Clint the Cool Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. Lots of history and interesting facts, combined with diagrams, illustrations, and vintage artwork of various kinds. Very enjoyable!

[Tim Heywood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well structured, looking at each section of medieval armies in turn. Liked the summary of certain key battles, with pictures showing layout fo forces and terrain. Far too many grammar errors though, implying the proof reading wasn't effective (turning my enjoyment from 4 into a 3).

[Dávid · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Good book to have an overview. I especially liked the parts where it made connections between the structure of the society and the army.
Also was really glad to finally understand what was the point to have the archers fire in volleys.

[Kerestel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written history of weapons and warfare.

[Marco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do not have much to say about this book:

It was good, it contained lots of useful information, oh and the pictures where nice.
The End