The First and Second Italian Wars 1494–1504 (Hardback)

"I found the book interesting and useful".

The Pike and Shot Society

Review by Jason Hubbard

I really enjoyed this book, it provided me with a good understanding of the conflict but also the dramatic changes that took place with military innovation that changed the face of the battlefield. Anyone interested in this period will find this a great book to pick up. I would also recommend this to wargamers, especially those looking at planning a campaign set either during the Italian Wars or in Europe around this time period, as this book will give a good understanding of how the battlefield was changing.

Irregular Magazine | Spring Issue 2021

This is a fascinating, detailed look at these crucial wars, placing the military campaigns in their political context – the world that inspired the writings of Machiavelli, and you can see where he got his inspiration from!

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History of War

This is an amazing account of medieval warfare between two of Europe's principle nations.

Books Monthly

This is really interesting read and sheds the light of how combat changed in such a short period of time due to the availability of large sums of money, political and religious will, as well as advances in technology.

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Medieval Sword School

I'll be honest, most of my knowledge about this history in this geographical area comes from watching Showtime's The Borgias. Not a bad show, but not always accurate. But, I enjoyed reading this because I was familiar with the events through the show, although things were obviously different and smashed together. So, this was a very quick, enjoyable read. I found it interesting and I appreciated how Romane took me as a reader through the events. It never felt overwhelming and I was able to track a lot of it, from the chronology to the main players and how they changed as people died and fortunes shifted. Very good book on the topic!

NetGalley, Caidyn Young

The author takes us through the factional and largely dysfunctional world of the Italian city states all seeking security and wealth, which had to be at the expense of their neighbours. The tangled web of alliances, promises and betrayals leveraged by the Spanish and French Kings seeking to expand their interests, is well documented. At centre stage sit the Borgias; Pope Alexander III and his son Cesare; both expertly conniving and manipulating.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy