This new series holds great promise for war gamers. Highly recommended.
Stuart Asquith
This new series holds great promise for war gamers. Highly recommended.
Stuart Asquith
The Eastern Roman empire reached its largest extent during the 6th century reign of Justinian I and Theodora. Tradition has it that the brilliance of their general, Belisarius, was the main reason for the massive territorial expansion. This biography of Belisarius by Ian Hughes depicts Belisarius as a humane, loyal, honest man, a competent politician, and a good general. Not brilliant in the mould of Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar, but competent, often lucky, and usually successful. The book has a welcome plethora of maps (29) battle diagrams (5) and photographs (33 ). The absence of a reference section confirms that the book is aimed at the history lover and general readership rather than academics. It is an easy read, thoroughly enjoyable, and I expect to re-read it. Belisarius by Ian Hughes is another excellent historical biography from Pen and Sword. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Dr John Viggers
The Eastern Roman empire reached its largest extent during the 6th century reign of Justinian I and Theodora. Tradition has it that the brilliance of their general, Belisarius, was the main reason for the massive territorial expansion. This biography of Belisarius by Ian Hughes depicts Belisarius as a humane, loyal, honest man, a competent politician, and a good general. Not brilliant in the mould of Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar, but competent, often lucky, and usually successful. The book has a welcome plethora of maps (29) battle diagrams (5) and photographs (33 ). The absence of a reference section confirms that the book is aimed at the history lover and general readership rather than academics. It is an easy read, thoroughly enjoyable, and I expect to re-read it. Belisarius by Ian Hughes is another excellent historical biography from Pen and Sword. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Dr John Viggers
As featured 'on the shelf' with Neil Smith
Wargames Illustrated, June 2017
As featured 'on the shelf' with Neil Smith
Wargames Illustrated, June 2017
Chrystal’s book demonstrates clearly the true extent of that involvement in a work remarkable for both its comprehensive treatment and depth of scholarship. The fact that the study extends to nineteen chapters, and the range of his bibliography in terms of both ancient testimonies and modern studies are immediate testimony to this.
A work of considerable scholarship and insight, one that anyone with an interest in ancient warfare will not be able to ignore.
Stanley Ireland, Department of Classics & Ancient History, University of Warwick
Chrystal’s book demonstrates clearly the true extent of that involvement in a work remarkable for both its comprehensive treatment and depth of scholarship. The fact that the study extends to nineteen chapters, and the range of his bibliography in terms of both ancient testimonies and modern studies are immediate testimony to this.
A work of considerable scholarship and insight, one that anyone with an interest in ancient warfare will not be able to ignore.
Stanley Ireland, Department of Classics & Ancient History, University of Warwick
Most history books concentrate on one campaign or another when it comes to the Romans. This amazing book by Don Taylor catalogues the entire canon of Roman Republican campaigns in a single volume, drawing on. amongst other thigns, contemporary accounts. If you want to start learning abiout the Roman Army and its campaigns, this is the place to start!
Books Monthly
Most history books concentrate on one campaign or another when it comes to the Romans. This amazing book by Don Taylor catalogues the entire canon of Roman Republican campaigns in a single volume, drawing on. amongst other thigns, contemporary accounts. If you want to start learning abiout the Roman Army and its campaigns, this is the place to start!
Books Monthly
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Cataclysm 90 BC
We are accustomed to think of the late Republic as a period in which Rome enjoyed almost uninterrupted military success against foreign enemies. Yet at the start of the first century BC, Rome, outnumbered and out-generalled, faced a hostile army less than a week's march from the Capitol. It is probable that only a swift surrender prevented the city… Read more...
