The Dark Ages - Book I of III

by Charles Oman

Sir Charles William Chadwick Oman KBE (1860-1946) was a British military historian.His reconstructions of medieval battles from the fragmentary and distorted accounts left by chroniclers were pioneering. Occasionally his interpretations have been challenged, especially his widely copied thesis that British troops defeated their Napoleonic opponents by firepower alone. Paddy Griffith, among modern historians, claims that the British infantry's discipline and willingness to attack were equally important.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2013

About the author

Sir Charles William Chadwick Oman was a British military historian of the early 20th century. His reconstructions of medieval battles from the fragmentary and distorted accounts left by chroniclers were pioneering. His style is an invigorating mixture of historical accuracy and emotional highlights, and it makes his narratives, though founded on deep research, often read as smoothly as fiction, especially in his History of the Peninsular War. Occasionally, his interpretations have been challenged, especially his widely copied thesis that British troops defeated their Napoleonic opponents by firepower alone. Paddy Griffith, among modern historians, claims the British infantry's discipline and willingness to attack were equally important.

He was born in India, the son of a British planter, and was educated at Oxford University, where he studied under William Stubbs. In 1881 he was elected to a Prize Fellowship at All Souls College, where he would remain for the rest of his career.

He was elected the Chichele Professor of modern history at Oxford in 1905, in succession to Montagu Burrows. He was also elected to the FBA that year, serving as President of the Royal Historical and Numismatic societies, and of the Royal Archaeological Institute.

His academic career was interrupted by the First World War, during which he was employed by the government Press Bureau and Foreign Office.

Oman was a Conservative member of Parliament for the University of Oxford constituency from 1919 to 1935, and was knighted in 1920.

He became an honorary fellow of New College in 1936 and received the honorary degrees of DCL (Oxford, 1926) and LL.D (Edinburgh, 1911 and Cambridge, 1927). He died at Oxford.

Two of his children became authors. Son Charles wrote several volumes on British silverware and similar housewares. Daughter Carola was notable for her biographies, especially that of Nelson.

Reviews

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though dated, this first of three volumes offers a very interesting and informative account of the early ‘dark ages’ as the western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD. The chaos and increasing battles fought by different Teutonic, Roman, and other groups during the 6th Century would have made life quite miserable for many who lived during that time. I found the book very informative.

[Ellis Knox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid scholarship, but dated. The book is over a century old and it shows. I would recommend this to a student of medieval History who has other textbooks at his disposal. I would not recommend it to the general reader.

[V. William Turkus · Rating 3 out of 5]

High History

A true historical work with all the dryness that term would suggest. Inclusion of maps and some breaks in the narrative would be a welcome addition to this reader's understanding.

[Mick Maye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Ages

This book fills in the first phase of life in Europe after the demise of the Roman Empire. This is plainly and clearly written and Welk worth a look.

[Michael H. Quicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Seems like great detail. Somewhat hard to follow due to the ancient and similar names and places. The Kindle dictionary and Wikipedia access is a big help. Onto book two and then three!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written a long time ago (1893, 5th edition was 1905) most of the history is valid and accurate, only the deductions could be argued and as so few sources exist, it is a great introduction. Despite the age in which it was written, it is by modern standards, well written. Unlike many works of the late nineteenth century, this reads with vigour and excitement. At least I found it so. I look forward to Book II.

[Chic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, alot of names and places that are hard to remember