The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare
The Triumph of the West
Cambridge Illustrated Histories
- Published: November 2000 Cambridge University Press
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521794312
- extent: 408 pages
- the engaging text is supported extensively with vivid colour photographs, maps, diagrams and illustrations
The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare provides a unique account of Western warfare from antiquity to the present day. The book treats the history of all aspects of the subject: the development of warfare on land, sea and air; weapons and technology; strategy and defence; discipline and intelligence; mercenaries and standing armies; cavalry and infantry; chivalry and Blitzkrieg; guerilla assault and nuclear arsenals. It places in context particular key events in the history of armed engagement, from the Greek victory at Marathon, through the introduction of gunpowder in medieval England and France, to the jungle warfare of Vietnam and the strategic air attacks of the Gulf War.
Throughout, there is an emphasis on the socio-economic aspects of military progress: who pays for it, how can its returns be measured, and to what extent does it explain the rise of the West to global dominance over two millennia?
Geoffrey Parker is Andreas Dorpalen Professor of History at the Ohio State University. He is the author or editor of more than thirty books, including The Army of Flanders and the Spanish Road, 1567–1659 (second edition, Cambridge, 2004) and The Military Revolution: Military Innovation and the Rise of the West, 1500–1800 (second edition, Cambridge, 2001).
Reviews
'… exceptional … beautifully illustrated … A highly readable book, and an interesting one, both for the expert and the amateur enthusiast. A must for college libraries.' USI Journal
'This book deserves close attention from the student of military affairs…a valuable overview of the history of warfare …' Foreign Affairs
'This is an attractive book. The numerous illustrations are marvellous and are integrated well with the text.' Journal of World History
