Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 48 pages
- Published by: Osprey Publishing July 29, 1982
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0850454484
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0850454482
-
Book Dimensions:
9.5 x 7.1 x 0.2 inches
- Weighs: 5.6 ounces
Product Description
During the Middle Ages Islam was Christian Europe's only civilised and most troublesome neighbour, the Middle Ages saw almost continual strife between these two distinct cultures. By the time the Frankish Crusaders reached the Middle East at the end of the 11th century Islam had already incorporated three major races: Arabs, Persians and Turks, each of which contributed different strengths to the armoury of Islam. This title explores the organisation, uniforms and equipment of the armies of Islam from the 7th to 11th centuries, backed by illustrations, museum photographs and eight full page colour plates by popular Osprey artist Angus McBride.
Publisher Description
Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.
Reader ReviewsAnother of Dr. Nicolle's excellent overviews of medieval military organizationa and equipment. The soldiers and mercenaries of the Caliphate, the Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid dynasties as well as other dynastic and succesor states are illustrated and described. Anyone interested in this period as well as the early Crusades and Muslim Spain will find something of interest. The cross fertilization of equipment, tactics and troop types is especially evident in this work. Dr. Nicolle actually suggests that the kite shield, so often associated with the Normans, could well have come from the Byzantines, via Muslim Sicily or Spain! Cons: insufficient maps. Pros: Angus McBride's beautiful color plates. Thus, 4 stars.
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