For books on the American Revolution, please click here.
Anderson, Fred. Crucible of War: The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766. Vintage Books 2001 ["Important and beautifully written. . . . A rousing, epic yarn and the best sort of history. . . . Anderson earns his crown as the preeminent chronicler of what Americans know as the French and Indian War. . . . It will be a long time before the tale of this great war for empire in the New World needs to be told again. And it's unlikely that it will ever be told so well." -- Kirkus Reviews. "Fred Anderson's wonderful narrative of the Seven Years' War takes us through swamps and snowstorms and from the mob-filled streets of London to the rushing rivers of the Ohio Valley. Taking the war on its own terms and not merely as a prelude to the American Revoluthin, [this book] promises to revolutionalize our understanding of one of America's most important wars." -- Jill Lepore. "Anderson has taken on the old masters of Anglo-American imperial warfare, Francis Parkman and Lawrence Gipson, and done them one better. Readable and insightful, [this book] is now our best study of the Seven Years' War." -- Don Higginbotham. "A wonderfully satisfying narrative: its clarity and concreteness restore contingency to a rightful place in understanding great events, and it locates the origin of the American Revolution just where it belongs, in the vortex of a truly global war." -- John Shy. "[This book] is a masterful synthesis of a largely forgotten period. . . . [It] not only demonstrates the importance of the struggle Americans knew as the French and Indian War, but also charts a provocative new direction for American history." -- John Faragher. Originally published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2000, this book is still available in a hardcover edition.]
Anderson, Fred. A People's Army: Massachusetts Soldiers and Society in the Seven Years War. Univ. of North Carolina Pr. 1996 [orig. 1984.]
Anglo, Sydney. The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe. Yale Univ Pr. 2000
Bradford, Ernle. The Great Siege: Malta 1565. [Wordsworth Military Library] Wordsworth (UK)/Combined Books (US) 1999 [I read this book, first published in 1961, a couple of decades ago. And yet there are portions of this book I remember vividly. It recounts the amazing defense of the island by the Knights of St. John against the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power. The odds were overwhelmingly against the defenders, and yet they prevailed. And in doing so they halted the Turkish conquest of the Mediterranean and changed the course of world history. It is an amazing story and ably recounted by Bradford. It is one of the few books I will now make time to reread.]
Chandler, David. The Art of Warfare in the Age of Marlborough. Sarpedon 1995
Chandler, David. Marlborough as Military Commander. Sarpedon (US)/Spellmount (UK) 1996 [orig. 1973.]
Chartrand, René. Louis XV's Army (1): Heavy Cavalry & Dragoons. [Men-at-Arms Series, no. 296; Leliepvre, illus.] Osprey 1996
Chartrand, René. Louis XV's Army (2): French Infantry. [Men-at-Arms Series, no. 302; Leliepvre, illus.] Osprey 1996 [A look at the troops who fought in the Seven Years War in Europe, and the French and Indians Wars and the American Revolution in North America.]
Chartrand, René. Louis XV's Army (3): Foreign Infantry and Artillery. [Men-at-Arms Series, no. 304; Leliepvre, illus.] Osprey 1997 (UK)/Stackpole (US) [An examination of the mercenaries and artillery of the 18th century's largest western European army. The numbers of mercenaries were not insignificant -- at one point (1741-48) foreign infantry regiments numbered 58,000 men, and during the Seven Years War, about 48,000. These troops saw action in the Seven Years War/ French and Indian Wars, India, Haiti, and the American Revolution. The author points out the value to the French Army in having these troops, explaining that they were recruited to compensate for perceived weaknesses with French-born soldiers. Although brave in the charge, French soldiers were perceived as unsteady under heavy fire and indifferent at maneuvering. The Swiss and German mercenaries were thought more solid under fire and more precise in their movements. Marshal de Saxe took another tack in his writings, "A German counts for three men: he saves one in the kingdom, he takes one away from our enemies and he serves us."]
Chartrand, René. Louis XV's Army, v. 4: Specialist & Light Troops. [Men-At-Arms Series, no. 308, Eugéne Leliépvre, illus.] Osprey (UK) 1997/Stackpole (US) 1998
Chartrand, René. Louis XV's Army, v. 5: Colonial and Naval Troops. [Men-At-Arms Series, no. 313, Eugéne Leliépvre, illus.] Osprey (UK) 1997/Stackpole (US) 1998
Conner, Clifford D. Colonel Despard: The Life and Times of an Anglo-Irish Rebel. [Signpost Biography Series; Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, foreword] Combined Publ. 2000 [Despard was a Protestant Irishman whose career spanned the American Revolution, the Irish Rebellion of 1798, and the French Revolutionary Wars. He once fought alongside Horatio Nelson in the American Revolution, and later was a British colonial adminstrator, but he ended up on the gallows accused of plotting within the Brigade of Guards to kill the King of England. "Cliff Conner's Colonel Despard captures in wonderful words a gallant hero in a romantic time and place. We are given the gift of history on a personal level while at the same time he deals with the complexity of empire and its conquest. A most enjoyable and compelling read." --Malachy McCourt. "Cliff Conner has resurrected a revolutionary figure, Marcus Despard, from the grave, and in this book he walks again amongst us." --Sean Cronin. ". . . rescues from anonymity an important player in early nineteenth century Anglo-Irish revolutionary Jacobinism in this careful, judicious biography. . . ." -- Marvin Gentelman.]
Cook, Harry. Samurai: The Story of a Warrior Tradition. Sterling Publ. Co. 1998 [Originally published in 1993, this book is a short history of the samurai from their origins up to the 20th-century where some of their traditions continue in the Japanese military and business. This is an oversized trade paper edition which is heavily illustrated with color and b&w illustrations, photographs, prints, and other artwork.]
Díaz del Castillo, Bernal. The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico. [Hugh Thomas, new intro.] Da Capo Pr. 1996 [This is the great eyewitness history of Cortés and the conquest of Mexico. This particular edition was translated by A.P. Maudslay and originally published in 1956.]
Dodge, Theodore Ayrault. Gustavus Adolphus: A History of the Art of War from its Revival After the Middle Ages to the End of the Spanish Succession War, with a Detailed Account of the Campaigns of the Great Swede, and of the Most Famous Campaigns of Turenne, Condé, Eugene and Marlborough. Da Capo Pr. 1998 [Originally published in 1895, and weighing in at nearly 900 pages, this is one of the key books on a commander whose influence lasted long after his passing. As with Dodge's other fine works, he first spends several chapters setting the stage for Gustavus Adolphus. He gives the Swedish king's campaigns a through treatment and then examines the influence of his ideas on the wider art of war through his discussion of the period up till 1712. Dodge covers the other great captains of this era, e.g., Cromwell, Turenne, Condé, Eugene and Marlborough. The text has about 250 illustrations, including maps and charts. "Gustavus Adolphus, one of the greatest monarchs in history, dominated the early seventeenth century till his death at age 37 in the midst of battle. He set a military standrard that influenced subsequent generations and that has rarely been exceeded. Not enough attention has been paid to Gustavus Adolphus and his impact on the art of war. Although there have been a few more recent books on the king, Dodge's work is eminently worthy of reprint and of my recommendation. Dodge, as usual, did a very fine job." -- Michael Grant. This book is also published in a hardcover edition by Greenhill Books and is available from Amazon.com.]
Duffy, Christopher. The Army Of Frederick The Great. Empire Press 1996
Duffy, Christopher. Fire and Stone: The Science of Fortress Warfare, 1660-1860. Greenhill/Stackpole 1996 [orig. 1975.
Duffy, Christopher. Frederick the Great: A Military Life. Routledge 1988
Duffy, Christopher. The Military Experience in the Age of Reason. [Wordsworth Military Library] Wordsworth Editions (UK) 1998/Combined Books (US) 1999 [Originally published in 1987, this is a superb study of what war was like for soldier and officer in the 18th century. This book should never have gone out of print, so its return is most welcome!]
Durham, Keith. The Border Reivers. [Angus McBride, illus.] Osprey (UK)/Stackpole (US) 2000 [Durham covers the raiding and reprisal warfare that characterized life along the Border Marches of England and Scotland during the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. This book was originally published in 1995 as Men-at-Arms #279.]
Faragher, John Mack, ed. The Encyclopedia of Colonial and Revolutionary America. Da Capo 1996 [orig. 1990.]
Foster, Simon. Hit the Beach!: The Drama of Amphibious Warfare. [Cassell Military Classics Series] Cassell (UK)/Sterling (US) 1998 [Originally published in 1995 with the subtitle, Amphibious Warfare from the Plains of Abraham to San Carlos Water, this book is part of the new Cassell Military Classics Series which draws on books formerly published under the Arms and Armour imprint. Foster recounts four amphibious campaigns in this work: the capture of Quebec in 1759, the Dardanelles offensive of 1915-16, the 1950 Inchon landings during the Korean War, and the Falkland Islands conflict of 1982.]
Frederick II. Frederick the Great on the Art of War. [Jay Luvaas, ed. & trans.] Da Capo Pr. 1999 ["The writings of one of the Great Captains of history are again readily available in [this] new trade paperback reprint . . . edited and translated by Jay Luvaas. This collection, first published in 1966, has long been out of print. The significance of this work is twofold -- first, it draws on the writings of one of history's greatest warrior kings, and second, the material assembled has been ably translated and edited. The value of Frederick's writings endures, both for its insights into eighteenth century warfare, and for its reflections on the nature and conduct of warfare in general. The real trick to reading Der alte Fritz is finding anything to read by him in any language. Although the slim Instructions to His Generals can still be found in English, most everything else he wrote on war is scattered throughout numerous volumes in French and German. And as this reviewer can attest, the thoughts of the king on warfare in these works is neither systematic nor organized, they are difficult to use even if they can be found. Therein lies the great worth of this book -- Luvaas has culled the most significant of Frederick's writings and carefully assembled them like pieces of a puzzle. His selection provides a fair portrayal of the king's ideas, his collation provides coherence, and his commentary is informed and useful. This book is a 'must have' for every military library." -- Fritz Heinzen, Military Heritage. "Frederick the Great ranks alongside Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, and Napoleon as one of the leading commanders in the annals of warfare. . . . At once readable and authoritative, this work collects frederick's military wisdom most conveniently in one volume. A must for the serious reader of military history, this book is highly recommended on every account." -- Christopher Duffy. "A detailed summation of the art of war at the close of the eighteenth century, written by its acknowledged master after a lifetime of battles and campaigns." -- John R. Elting. "Frederick the Great was a superb commander and an acute military thinker, but he never arranged his thoughts about war systematically. Jay Luvaas has done that job for him and for us. All readers interested in the history of war should welcome this book's first paperback appearance." -- Russell F. Weigley.]
Griess, Thomas E., Series Editor. The West Point Military History Series
One of the most impressive military reference projects ever undertaken by the faculty of the United States Military Academy. The oversized books present a clear understanding of some of history's most significant campaigns. The text is supplemented by numerous illustrations and photographs, plus superb color maps.
The Dawn of Modern Warfare. [This is the hardcover edition, a trade paper edition is available.]
Early American Wars and Military Institutions. [This is the hardcover edition, a trade paper edition is available.]
Hainsworth, Roger & Christine Churches. The Anglo-Dutch Naval Wars, 1652-1674. Sutton Publ. 1998 [This is a well-illustrated history of the three naval wars between England and the Netherlands (1652-1654, 1665-1667, and 1672-1674).]
Hall, Bert S. Weapons and Warfare in Renaissance Europe. Johns Hopkins Univ. Pr. 1997 ["For a thorough discussion of the impact of gunpowder [on the chamging face of warfare], one can do no better than [this book]. Hall covers the introduction and growing use of gunpowder weapons in western European land warfare from roughly 1300 to 1600. His mining of sources is quite good and being a combination of military history and technology history one finds a number of interesting avenues explored by Hall, e.g., a chapter on the development of black powder and one covering what is (and is not) known about the weapons' ballistics. Hall shows the uneven, evolutionary nature of the changes wrought by the introduction of gunpowder weapons for tactics, for the size and structure of armies, and for the larger context of war over three centuries. One finds no decisive break or revolution, and the process of change for Hall is more complex and nuanced than that put forth by previous historians. And for those interested in the Military Revolution debate, Hall's book will prove very stimulating." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine.]
Hibbert, Christopher. Wolfe at Quebec: The Man Who Won the French and Indian War. Cooper Square Pr. 1999 ["Originally published in 1959, this is a wonderful read. Hibbert's discussion of the campaign, the various skirmishes and the deciding battle, and the overarching significance of the campaign are all clearly discussed, but Hibbert takes great pains to illumine Wolfe's eccentric character. Ambitious, neurotic, sickly, yet ultimately an able and courageous officer, Wolfe receives his just dues from Hibbert. It is a fascinating portrait full of colorful stories and witty quotes, and Hibbert does not hesitate to credit Wolfe's subordinates for their influence on the selection of the landing for the final assault." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine. "Fresh, vivid, and well written. . . . Hibbert, who saw service as an infantry officer in Italy in World War II, knows how to write truthfully of men in battle and has a better understanding of combined operations than most academic historians." -- New York Times Book Review. "Hibbert penetrates the fog of hero worship." -- Time. "One of the best books published about the English victory at Quebec and certainly one of the most interesting. . . . It is a real contribution to the understanding of both Wolfe and the battle." -- Library Journal. "[A] dazzling, almost eyewitness account. . . . [Hibbert] catches both the panic and the pyrotechnics of battle. And he captures especially well the nerve-racking atmosphere of siege warfare: scalpings in the calm forest, disease, [and] waning morale." -- New Statesman.]
Hickok, Michael Robert. Ottoman Military Administration In Eighteenth-Century Bosnia. [The Ottoman Empire And It Heritage Series - Politics, Society And Economy , No 13] Brill Academic Publ. 1997 [For a review of this book, click here.]
Hughes, MGen. B.P. Firepower: Weapons Effectiveness on the Battlefield, 1630-1850. Sarpedon (US)/Spellmount (UK) 1997 [Originally published in 1974, this book combines fascinating text and illustrations to illumine the impact of smooth-bore weaponry on warfare from the mid-seventeenth century to the mid-nineteenth century. Hughes begins with a look at the weapons themselves (for infantry, cavalry, and artillery), followed by a pictorial section on the development of small arms. Next he examines the theoretical performance of the weapons, again followed by a pictorial section, this on the development of artillery. The third chapter considers the inefficiencies of the battlefield, after which appears a pictorial section on artillery drill. Hughes then moves to a discussion of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries (the pictorial section is seventeenth century musket drill). Chapter 5 goes from Frederick the Great to Napoleon, after which there is a musket drill pictorial from around 1815. Chapters 6 through 9 examine specific battles -- Albuera, Talavera, Bussaco, Ferozeshah and the Sikh Wars. Hughes' conclusions are presented in Chapter 10. This book is an oversized hardcover, and it is loaded with illustrations. One will find many useful maps, charts, and diagrams throughout the work. Finally, let me note that Hughes avoids making exaggerated claims for weaponry, for as he states: "It was ultimately not weapon power but will-power that won battles; and even though superior weapon power was a powerful lever, it was always a means to an end rather than the end itself."]
Knecht, R.J. Renaissance Warrior and Patron: The Reign of Francis I. Cambridge Univ. Pr. 1996 [Originally published in 1994, this is an excellent biography of one of France's most fascinating kings. We recently reviewed this for Paper Wars magazine, issue #31 (which we will post at a later date). To be honest, it is not a military biography, however battles, diplomacy, etc., all play key roles in Francis' life and make up much of the book, a book that is well worth reading. Francis is known as a contibutor to art and architecture (e.g., the chateaux of the Loire), but he was well-practised in the art of war by personally leading his armies. Forexample, he lead the French army at Marignano (1515, a victory leading to the capitulation of Milan), and Pavia (24 February, 1525). The latter was a crushing defeat and Francis was to lucky to have survived in the thick of that battle Ñ it witnessed the largest slaughter of French nobleman since Agincourt (although he was taken captive).]
Leiner, Frederick C. Millions for Defense: The Subscription Warships of 1798. Naval Institute Pr. 1999 ["In the aftermath of the "XYZ Affair," America drifted towards war with France. Patriotic citizens (primarily merchants), alarmed by the seizure of American merchantmen by French warships and the lack of a U.S. navy, offered to help build warships by subscription. [This book] chronicles the frenzy of shipbuilding in ten ports with minimal governmental supervision. Leiner sets the stage for this activity, then discusses how it was carried out and by whom, what types of ships were constructed, what role they played in the Quasi-War, and what fates befell these vessels. The ships did factor in the conflict as Leiner observes, 'The subscription warships played a large role in the Quasi-War, convoying merchant ships, suppressing the French privateer menace, and occasionally fighting French ships.' This was a unique experiment in national defense and Leiner has a feel for the merchants and politicians, and the ten ships, that brings this intriguing era to life. Of the many books I read for this column, this was one of my favorites, for Leiner is a gifted writer, and he has through prodigious scholarship taught me a great deal about a fascinating period in American history." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine. ". . . first rate--well researched, well written, and very welcome, as both a fascinating chapter in American naval history, and a fresh way of looking at the nation's crucial first decade. A fine book in every respect." -- David McCullough. ". . . s substantial contribution to the history of the early U.S. Navy. His research is impressive and his style makes the book accessible to a broad audience." -- William S. Dudley. ". . . a captivating account of a lost era of American history. With a grand gift for narrative, Leiner brings to life both the adventure and the tedium of naval warfare in the age of sail. With scrupulous scholarship, he retrieves for us the spirit of an America that is no more--an America where public-minded merchants built ships as veritable patriotic gifts to the nation instead of lobbying for lucrative contracts from the government." -- Michael Zuckerman.]
Lund, Erik A. War for the Every Day: Generals, Knowledge, and Warfare in Early Modern Europe, 1680-1740. [Contributions in Military Studies, no. 181] Greenwood Pr. 1999 [This book is a study of operational warfare in the Habsburg old regime and the generals who conducted it.]
Lynn, John A. Giant of the Grand Siècle: The French Army, 1610-1715. Cambridge Univ. Pr. 1997 ["The huge army of the Bourbon monarchy receives a very thorough treatment in [this book]. With a rather traditional attitude, Lynn writes about an army in need of a good history, and he delivers it. Lynn uses a broad approach and the sixteen chapters fall into five parts which emphasize just how much ground he covers. These parts are: the context of military change and growth; military administration and supply; command; the rank and file; and the army's weaponry, tactics, preparation for, and conduct of, war. Over the course of about a century, the army expanded over six-fold to 420,000 men (paper strength). By midcentury, the army was quite competent tactically, while on the operational level it came to favor sieges rather than open battles. Lynn also emphasizes the evolutionary development of the French army, rather than 'a radical Military Revolution.' Lynn argues the path it followed was 'not driven by technological innovation but by conceptual and institutional development.' Finally, I appreciate Lynn's willingness to castigate the PC element in the new military history, i.e., fashionable sociological studies that don't come to grips with the institutions of warfare and the conduct of war. Lynn will probably take some hits for his views, but military historians will assuredly recognize the value of his study." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine.]
Marshall, Alan. Intelligence and Espionage in the Reign of Charles II, 1660-1685. [Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History] Cambridge Univ. Pr. 1994
Masters, Roger D. Fortune is a River: Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli's Magificent Dream to Change the Course of Florentine History. Free Pr. 1998 [This is a book I recommend to those interested in Renaissance/early modern warfare and politics, it is the lead title in my Paper Wars magazine column for issue #31. The book shows how two of the great minds of the Renaissance collaborated on a project to defeat Pisa but which grew to something even grander. "An astute, relentless scholar, Roger Masters presents a unique case history -- the Arno River Project, a nearly forgotten, bold, failure-bound strategic operation conceived by Leonardo and fully backed by Machiavelli. This beautifully produced book reads more like a movie script than the reference tool that it may eventually become." -- Carlo Pedretti, Director, The Armand hammer Center for Leonardo Studies at UCLA. "A charming and insightful entry into . . . the Italian Renaissance, in which two of its greatest personalities come alive as they join together in a bold and doomed project. . . . makes their dreams and ambitions and the world around them come into sharp focus. An engrossing, inspiring, and at the same time sad and wistful book." -- Norman F. Cantor. "A fascinating reconstruction. . . . Masters has recreated one of the great dreams of the Renaissance. I salute him." -- James Cowan. "Masters has discovered something genuinely new. . . [he] knows a good story when he sees it and has the good sense to recognize what that story can teach us about matters of much more lasting concern." -- Charles T. Wood.]
Miller, Nathan. Broadsides: The Age of Fighting Sail, 1775-1815. John Wiley & Sons 2001 ["Taste of the pitching black deck with a sleepless Admiral Nelson the night before battle bestows eternal rest and peerless immortality upon him; envision with Mahan the storm-tossed and ever-watchful ships-of-the-line that kept England secure from invasion; wonder in awe at Collingwood's dedication in working himself to death after Trafalgar elevated him to primary responsibility for England's Imperial safety in the Mediterranean. All of this and more awaits the reader who will sail through these pages, every one of which is etched with the indelible expertise and boundless enthusiasm of Nathan Miller, a master of naval history." -- Kenneth J. Hagan. Originally published by John Wiley & Sons in 2000, this book is still available in a hardcover edition.]
Milne-Tyte, Robert. Armada!: The Planning, the Battle and After. [Wordsworth Military Library] Wordsworth Editions (UK)/Combined Books (US) 1998 [orig. 1988.]
Nicolle, David. Armies of the Ottoman Empire 1775-1820. [Men-At-Arms Series, no. 314, Angus McBride, illus.] Osprey (UK)/Stackpole (US) 1998
Nicolle, David. Granada 1481-92: The End of Andalucian Islam. [Campaign Series, no. 53] Osprey Publ. 1998
Nosworthy, Brent. The Anatomy of Victory: Battle Tactics 1689-1763. Hippocrene 1991
Oman, Sir Charles. A History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century. Greenhill Books (UK)/Stackpole Books (US) 1999 [Originally published in 1937, Oman examines the changing nature of miltary startegy, tactics, and organization from the Great Wars of 1494-1559 (the Great Italian Wars, the German civil wars) through the warfare of Tudor England (including land and naval operations against France), the French Wars of Religion, the revolt of the Netherlands and the Dutch War of Independence, and concluding with the Turkish offensive against Christendom from 1520 until the Peace of Sitva in 1606. At 784 pages, this trade paper edition is a bargain.]
Padfield, Peter. Maritime Supremacy & the Opening of the Western Minds: Naval Campaigns That Shaped the Modern World. Overlook Pr. 2000 ["This book, a kind of sequel to or refinement of Alfred T. Mahan's 19th-century classic The Influence of Sea Power upon History, begins with a standard observation: In war, naval power tends to trump land power. But Peter Padfield makes an even bolder claim: "Maritime supremacy is the key which unlocks most, if not all, large questions of modern history, certainly the puzzle of how and why we--the Western democracies--are as we are." To put it more frankly: "Our civilization (if we can lay so large a claim), our beliefs, our dominance are products not of superior minds or bravery, cunning, greed, or ruthlessness--common attributes of mankind--still less of the Christian religion, the 'Protestant work ethic,' or blind chance, but of the particular configuration of the seas and land masses that has given the advantage to powers able to use and command the seas." . . . The resulting discussion of military and economic might on the seas begins with the Spanish Armada and concludes with the founding of the United States. It's an engaging mix that will appeal to readers who like to tackle the big questions of history. . . . Best of all, readers need not agree with the striking thesis of Maritime Supremacy to profit from its ideas. In the end, more than a few may wind up agreeing with Padfield that "We are the heirs of maritime supremacy."" -- John J. Miller, Amazon.com .]
Palmer, Michael A. Stoddert's War: Naval Operations during the Quasi-War with France, 1798-1801. [Classics of Naval Literature] Naval Institute Pr. 2000 [Originally published in 1987, this book is already considered a "classic." It received several naval history awards, including the prestigious "Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature." This edition features a new introduction by the author. As the author reminds the reader, the Quasi-War was the birth of the U.S. Navy, i.e., it was a brand new service which had no institutional links with the Continental Navy (which ceased to exist in 1785). Fortunately, it also shared a different fate, for unlike the abysmal performance of the Continental Navy, the Federal Navy "performed remarkably well during its early years and established a tradition of excellence that had eluded its Continental predecessor." "Palmer has written a superb history of a nearly forgotten struggle between France and the fledgling American republic. He provides a critical study of command and operations as directed by the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert. In addition to discussing the dramatic frigate combat, Palmer also places America's war in its European context (something earlier studies neglected). And the perceptive reader will notice executive actions and congressional objections over the shipment of American weapons to friendly rebel groups to be remarkably similar to the [more recent] Iran-Contra controversy. . . ." -- Fritz Heinzen, C3I Military Newsletter.]
Parker, Geoffrey. The Grand Strategy of Philip II. Yale Univ. Pr. 2000 ["Of all the books featured in this [magazine] column, the most difficult to discuss in such few words is [this work]. Parker, author of several books and many articles on the popular, quiet, even serene Philip II (1527-1598) and his reign, here elaborates on how Philip ruled history's first global empire (yes, it spanned all twenty-four time-zones). The author determines what strategic priorities underlay this Habsburg ruler's policies, what practices and biases influenced his decisions, and what external developments impacted on his goals. Given the staggering amount of Philip's paperwork available and the enormity of his task, Parker resorts to a series of 'soundings' that illumine the king's grand strategy. First he considers Spain's strategic culture, i.e., Philip's government, and its strategic policies and approaches. Three case studies of strategy formulation follow, they are: the failed effort to maintain rule over the Netherlands (1555-1577), the flawed peacetime conduct of foreign relations with Scotland and England (1558-1585), and the military, diplomatic, and economic mobilization designed to conquer England (1585-1588). The third section of the book chronicles the key mistakes in the execution of Philip's grand strategy, more specifically, the failure to prevent foreign intelligence services from ascertaining his endeavors and preparations, his inability to coordinate logistics and communications at the operational level, and Philip's flawed understanding of the changing nature of military technology and tactics. Next Parker examines the lessons that the king and his advisors drew from the failure of the Armada. The conclusion tackles the thorny question of what difference, if any, would a different sovereign, different policy options, or a different strategic culture might have made to Spain's maintenance of its huge empire. I share Parker's conviction that minor changes in decisions or events could have dramatically altered Spain's future (and I agree with his counterfactual calculations that support such a claim). Remember, Philip's strategies succeeded in the Americas and in the Mediterranean, it was only the Netherlands and England that frustrated him and laid the groundwork for Spain's decline. Parker rightly argues, 'Despite all the structural problems that beset his Monarchy . . . the king came remarkably close to achieving his goals. With but a minor rewrite of history . . . the outcome at several key junctures could have been very different.' He and his book's protagonist stand contra Fernand Braudel and his structures and linear processes -- what a refreshing change from the tiresome 'fashionable' history. Also noteworthy is the nuanced portrait of Philip rather than the hackneyed stereotypes bandied about for so long. Another plus is that Parker makes the book relevant to today's discussions of grand strategy, imperial overstretch, etc. This book can be very profitably read by those concerned with current national security issues and dilemmas. And finally, let me point out my appreciation for Parker's prejudices that allow him to briefly work in brutal criticism of Robert Strange McNamara's self-serving memoirs. This book is a brilliant and original undertaking, based on staggering research, and it only reconfirms Parker's place in the top echelon of military historians." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine. "A deeply-researched, sublime and immensely satisfying analysis of the policies of one of the most important figures in western and world history during the past one thousand years." -- Paul Kennedy. "This is a history that moves backward from the strategic concerns of today; that gives it an edge and an immediacy few other books on Philip have achieved. . . . A highly detailed but also immensely readable book." -- Anthony Pagden, New York Times Book Review. "A superb study that is part biography, part military history, and part strategic treaties. . . . No less remarkable than Parker's mastery of voluminous Spanish archives is his use of Philip's rule to illuminate the broader problems of grand strategy, including such supposedly modern phenomenon as information overload." --Eliot Cohen, Foreign Affairs. "This story can, and should, be viewed as a case study for both our war colleges and schools of government, an example of strategic reach exceeding strategic grasp." --Gary Anderson, Washington Times. ". . . Mr. Parker leads us with consummate skill through the thorny problems of Philip's reign. Mr. Parker's translations of King Philip's letters are excellent, helping us to understand the monarch's state of mind." -- Hugh Thomas, The Wall Street Journal. Originally published by Yale in 1998, this book is still available in a hardcover edition.]
Parker, Geoffrey. The Military Revolution: Military Innovation and the Rise of the West, 1500-1800, Second Edition. Cambridge Univ. Pr. 1996 [Originally published in 1988, this has been one of the most significant military books of the last decade. It took an obscure military debate and placed it front and center in military historiography, and in historiography in general. A hardcover edition was released simultaneously with the trade paper edition.]
Parker, Geoffrey & Colin Martin. The Spanish Armada. Norton 1992
Parkman, Francis. Montcalm and Wolfe. [Modern Library War Series; John Keegan, intro.] Modern Library 1999 [Parkman marvelously chronicles the duel between General James Wolfe and the Marquis de Montcalm that saw its climax in the final battle on the Plains of Abraham outside the city of Quebec, 13 September, 1759. The battle not only witnessed their joint demise, but settled the fate of North America after a century of conflict. Originally published in 1884. "Romantic history at its most vivid and compelling." -- Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. "Parkman . . . combined faultless research with the narrative powers of a novelist." -- Edmund Morris.]
Partington, J.R. A History of Greek Fire and Gunpowder. Johns Hopkins University Pr. 1999 ["For those desiring a very detailed, technical discussion of incendiary weapons, Greek Fire and the development of gunpowder, I would steer you to [this book], originally published in 1960. Partington was a leading British chemist and this book is stronger and weaker as a result. His background gives him excellent insights into the development of these 'chemical' weapons, but the book is often difficult to read due to his technical writing. Quite honestly, knowing Latin, Greek, French, German, and chemistry would prove most useful in reading this book. Partington covers a number of topics beyond those mentioned above, such as key writers and treatises on chemical explosives (including mythical, e.g., Black Berthold), chapters on gunpowder and firearms in Moslem lands, in India, and in China, and one on saltpeter. Now this is not a synthesis history, so if you keep this and the above caveats in mind, youÕll better understand what to expect of this heavily referenced book, i.e., it is a book that provides historical and technical insights into different aspects of chemical explosives over the last 600 years. This new edition comes with a useful and critical introduction by Bert S. Hall, whose own work we featured in [a previous issue]." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine.]
Pickles, Tim. Malta 1565: Last Battle of the Crusades. [Campaign Series, no. 50; Christa Hook, illus.] Osprey Publ.(UK)/Stackpole (US) 1998
Pitch, Anthony S. The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814. Naval Institute Pr. 2000 [Originally published by the Naval Institute in 1998, this book is still available in a hardcover edition. "As good as historical re-creation gets." -- Gilbert M. Grosvenor, National Geographic Society. "Extremely well written, with a wealth of original material." -- Rex Scouten, former White House curator. "Masterful. Reminds me of a 'Masterpiece Theatre' series in the sweeping nature and authoritative tone of its story." -- Dr. Donald Ritchie, U.S. Senate historian. It is also available in an abridged audiobook edition. "I get bored silly when driving, so I need to rely on good audiotapes to keep awake. [These tapes] have helped make the highways of America safer! In The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814 (Naval Institute Press Audiobooks 'Now Hear This' Series 1999), Anthony S. Pitch sets out very descriptively the disastrous summer of 1814. Pitch covers the range of events, the mob behavior in Baltimore that preceded the British conquest, British naval and land moves, feeble American responses, the destruction of the Capitol, the White House and other public buildings, even the British offensive against Baltimore that witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. This entertaining history is read with a pleasant British accent by the author on four cassettes running six hours." -- Fritz Heinzen, Paper Wars magazine.]
Prescott, William. The Art of War in Spain: The Conquest of Granada, 1481-1492 Greenhill Books (UK)/Stackpole (US) 1995 [For the review of this book, go to the Classics section.
Prescott, W. H. History of the Conquest of Mexico. Phoenix Pr. (UK) 2002/Sterling (US) 2003 [This is another of the great classics written by a 19th-century American historian. Authors like Francis Parkman, and here, William Hickling Prescott, had the uncanny ability to write solid history that also came to life. No dull, dry, works for these fine scholars. Prescott's History of the Conquest of Mexico starts out by offering the reader an understanding of ancient Mexico, its geography, and the Aztec civilization that developed there. Having provided such background he turns his attention to Spain under Charles V, and the great explorer and conqueror, Hernando Cortés. He thoroughly chronicles how Cortés and his small force conquer Mexico but then lose control leading to their expulsion. A new effort by Cortés leads to Mexico's recapture. Finally, Prescott chronicles the subsequent career of Cortés. This book was orinally published 1843.]
Reid, Stuart. Highland Clansman 1689-1746. [Warrior Series, no. 21; Angus McBride, illus.] Osprey 1997
Reid, Stuart. 1745: A Military History of the Last Jacobite Rising. Sarpedon 1996
Roosevelt, Theodore. The Naval War of 1812, Or, the History of the United States Navy during the Last War with Great Britain to Which is Appended an Account of the Battle of New Orleons. [H.W. Brands, new intro.] Da Capo Pr. 1999 [Also available from Amazon.com. This superb history was first published in 1882 when the future Assistant Secretary of the Navy and the 26th President was only 23 years old. "[A] remarkable achievement . . . Roosevelt's monumental research shows in the intense detail he put into the book. . . . The sound of gunfire and the smoke of battle filters through almost every page." -- Nathan Miller. "[The] most enduring of Roosevelt's 38 books. . . . remains the definitive work in its field. . . . A classic of naval history." -- Edmund Morris. "An excellent book in every respect, and shows in so young an author the best promises for a good historian. It shows fearlessness of statement, caution, endevour to be impartial, and a brisk and interesting way of telling events." -- New York Times. "[A] first-class study, scrupulously fair. . . . No sudent of the period can ignore it even today." -- Henry F. Pringle. "The most accurate, the most cool and impartial, and in some respects the most intrepid account that has yet appeared." -- Harper's. ". . . an account of the subject that has yet to be surpassed for detail of vigor [as well as] an example of that rare genre that not only records the past but influences the future." -- H.W. Brands. The "Classics of Naval Literature" hardcover edition, published by the Naval Institute Press in 1987, is still available.]
Roosevelt, Theodore. The Naval War of 1812. [Modern Library War Series; John Allen Gable, intro.] Modern Library 1999 [Originally published in 1882.]
Seymour, William. Battles in Britain and their Political Background 1066-1746. [Wordsworth Military Library] Wordsworth Editions (UK) 1997/Combined Books (US) 1998 [This nicely illustrated book combines two previous books, Battles in Britain and their Political Background, Volume I: 1066-1547 and Battles in Britain and their Political Background, Volume II: 1642-1746. The battles/campaigns featured are: Fulford and Stamford Bridge, 20 & 25 September 1066; Hastings, 14 October 1066; Lewes, 14 May 1264; the Evesham Campaign, June-August 1265; Stiring Bridge and Falkirk, 11 September 1297 & 22 July 1298; Bannockburn, 23-24 June 1314; a general survey of the Wars of the Roses, 1455-1471; Second Battle of St. Albans, 17 February 1461; Towton, 29 March 1461; Barnet, 14 April 1471; Tewkesbury, 4 May 1471; Bosworth Field, 22 August 1485; Flodden, 9 September 1513; Pinkie Cleuch, 10 September 1547; the First Civil War (the protagonists, their arms, armies, and armaments, 1642-1646; Edgehill, 23 October 1642; First Battle of Newbury, 20 September 1643; Cheriton, 29 March 1644; Marston Moor, 2 July 1644; Naseby, 14 June, 1645; Montrose's battles, May-August 1645; Charles II's Civil War 1650-51; Sedgemoor, 6 July 1685; the First Jacobite Rising, 1715-19; and the Second Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-46.]
Showalter, Dennis. The Wars Of Frederick The Great. Addison Wesley Pub. Co. 1995
Silverstone, Paul H. The Sailing Navy, 1775-1854. [The U.S. Navy Warship Series] Naval Institute Pr. 2001 [This is the first book in a series by the noted naval historian. He assembles all relevant data on American ships from the American Revolution and the Quasi-War through combat against the Barbary pirates, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War. Ships on Lakes Champlain, Ontario, and Erie are listed separately. Ships of the Revenue Cutter Service, Texas Navy, and the first U.S. Navy steam vessels are also included in this book. The data is presented in a tabular form and covers size, date, location of construction, commissioning date and length of service, other names the ship used while in merchant marine or other service, and the ship's fate. Further details include campaigns and actions fought, damages sustained, casualties, prizes taken, and ships sunk. "Paul Silverstone has again produced invaluable ship guides in this new series that includes Civil War Navies, 1855-1883. No other volumes provide as much useful data and commentary in easy-to-use formats. They are a must for the historian and ship buff." -- Norman Polmar. "This new U.S. Navy warship series will provide a needed tool primarily for the naval researcher and historian and secondly for the naval buff. Paul Silverstone is well qualified for this work. His abaility and knowledge of naval affairs and history have proven invaluable." -- Allan Harris. "Much but certainly not all of the information in this book is already available, but it is scattered in various places and formats. This first volume in the series makes an especially valuable contribution because there is no other good source for early sailing ships." -- James L. George. "Everyone interested in American sailing ships will want a copy of this book close at hand. Silverstone is thorough, covering every vessel built or pressed into service for the United States over an eighty-year period. It is the most comprehensive guide on the subject ever published." -- James C. Bradford.]
Simmons, Clara Ann. John Paul Jones: America's Sailor. Naval Institute Pr. 1997 [This is an illustrated biography of Jones intended for children.]
Thomas, Hugh. Conquest: Montezuma, Cortés, and the Fall of Old Mexico. Touchstone Books 1995 [orig. 1993. A superb, balanced account of the years 1519-1521 when two worlds collided.]
Tincey, John. The Spanish Armada. [Richard Hook, illus.] Osprey (UK)/Stackpole (US) 2000 [This book was originally published in 1988 as #15 in the Osprey Elite Series with the title, The Armada Campaign 1588.]
Turnbull, Stephen. Nagashino 1575: Slaughter at the Barricades. [Campaign Series, no. 69] Osprey (UK)/Stackpole (US) 2000 [This well-illustrated book recounts the campaign and climatic battle between two two key figures in Japanese military history -- Oda Nobunaga and Takeda Katsuyori. Nobunaga's successful use of new technologies and tactics forever changed the face of Japanese warfare.]
Turnbull, Stephen. Samurai Warfare. Arms and Armour Pr. (UK)/Sterling (US) 1997 [orig. 1996. Turnbull begins his book with a look at the historical development of samurai warfare from its earliest manifestations to its pinnacle in the Sengoku Period in the 16th century. The second section of the book details samurai warfare by topic, e.g., battlefield techniques, organization and communication, the role of castles, specialized units, samurai naval warfare, etc. The last section provides selected case studies of battles and other developments from 1560-1650. Marvelous illustrations, many in color, complement the text in this oversized trade paper edition. The hardcover edition, published in 1996, is now out-of-print.]
Also worth checking out is Abebooks.
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