History of War in Maps

by Philip Parker

History of War in Maps gives a unique visual representation of the development of warfare, relating the extraordinary stories that have shaped our history.

From the moment the first towns and cities arose, the struggle for land, resources and power has turned to violence. Almost from the start, maps have been an inseparable part of warfare. Each map in this beautifully designed volume plays a crucial role. While countless campaign strategies have relied on detailed and accurate mapping, entire wars have been fought over the maps themselves, with hopes of redrawing boundaries and redefining nations. This book expertly curates more than 70 historical maps which tell the fascinating story of from ancient and medieval warfare to modern day conflicts and beyond. Featuring maps of historic battles such
• Battle of Marathon, 490 BC
• Battle of Hastings, 1066
• Battle of Crecy, 1346
• Battle of Lützen (Thirty Years’ War), 1632
• Battle of Saratoga, 1777
• Battle of Austerlitz, 1805
• Battle of Balaklava (Crimean War), 1854
• Siege of Vicksburg, 1863
• Battle of Isandhlwana (Anglo-Zulu War), 1879
• Battle of Spion Kop (Anglo-Boer War), 1900
• Gallipoli campaign, 1915
• D-Day, 1944
• Operation Desert Storm, 1993

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Michael Keaveney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and interesting, but could be better by having a short sub heading for each map, who the protagonists were, the modern location and the dates of the battle and which war it was a battle in (if applicable).

[Ricardo Esteves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, first of its kind I've read. Has great illustrations and represenations of battles fought across the globe. I would love if it had a more standardized design for how you present information from the parties in the conflict, instead of being narratively entwined in the text.

[JCS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating collection of war maps illustrate wars through history across the world. The maps are in sections, in chronological order: Ancient and Medieval Warfare; The Gunpowder Revolution; Warfare in the Age of Revolutions; Wars and Empire in History; Global War; and Modern and Information Wars. The author explains how war has changed as weapons have been developed through time, beginning with primitive rock throwing, and bows and arrows all the way through to using drones. It is a fascinating collection and the maps alongside the narration allow the reader a clearer insight into each battle. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Louisa Heaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fabulous reference book on the History of War as shown through maps. The selection of maps was varied and fascinating, from plain black and white, through to full colour in most of them. The battle for Desert Storm was the most marvellous map for me through the book, but the book covers many battles and wars, from the Donbas and the situation in Ukraine, Russia, all the way back to ancient and medieval warfare circa 1275 onwards with the Battle of Kadesh.

I think this would actually make an interesting coffee table book!

[Becki Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting account of battles within history. The maps are fascinating and very good at demonstrating the nature of the battle.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.