ARMIES AND WARFARE IN THE MIDDLE AGES: THE ENGLISH EXPERIENCE. de Prestwich, Michael - 1996

New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996. 396 pp, 10" H. B&w and colour photographs, reproductions, maps. "(R)e-creates the real experience of medieval warfare, examining how men of all ranks of society were recruited, how troops were fed, supplied and deployed, the development of new weapons, and the structures of military command. (The author) challenges many common assumptions about medieval warfare. He shows that medieval commanders were capable of far more sophisticated strategy than is usually assumed: spies were an important part of the machinery of war, and the destruction of crops and burning of villages were part of a deliberate plan to force a foe to negotiate, rather than an indication of lack of discipline. Sieges, often lengthy and expensive, were more prevalent than physical battles. And in actual engagement the mounted knight was never as dominant as is often supposed: even in the twelfth century, many battles were won by unmounted men. Written by a leading scholar of the period and rich with anecdote and illustrations, this book will appeal to anyone interested in the social history of war in the Middle Ages." Very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine, very light wear at corners and top/bottom of spine. Dust jacket has some minor edge wrinkling, one small edge tear archivally taped.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.