Pen & Sword has established itself as a leading publisher of medieval military history. Battlefield guides, accounts of decisive battles and sieges, critical biographies of key commanders, and reissues of classic works of the medieval scholarship all feature in our list. And the coverage is not restricted to Britain – important books on the Crusades, the Mongols and warfare in medieval Japan are also part of our publishing programme.
Readers who have a passing interest in medieval warfare and those who have long been fascinated by the subject will all find books here that are stimulating reading.
Review as featured in
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, April 2024
Review as featured in
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, April 2024
Review as featured in
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, April 2024
Review as featured in
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, April 2024
Competition as featured in
Henry III Roundtable Newsletter, April 2024
Competition as featured in
Henry III Roundtable Newsletter, April 2024
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
This nuanced exploration delves into the unconventional life of Edward II, the controversial English king sometimes celebrated as a gay icon for his relationships with men. Going beyond the shocking myth about his death, the book examines evidence supporting Edward’s bisexuality through his affairs with both men and women. It also reevaluates his marriage to Isabella of France, portraying its initial happiness—before the threats from Hugh Despenser and her alliance with Roger Mortimer led to tragedy.
This book refutes 700 years of misinformation to reveal what can truly be known about the marriage of Edward and Isabella, and the other people they may have loved. It’s a fascinating and much-needed correction that sweeps away ugly stereotypes to show the real human beings underneath. It’s a smart, insightful, compassionate, and enjoyable read that made me want to cheer.
NetGalley, Andrea Romance
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
This nuanced exploration delves into the unconventional life of Edward II, the controversial English king sometimes celebrated as a gay icon for his relationships with men. Going beyond the shocking myth about his death, the book examines evidence supporting Edward’s bisexuality through his affairs with both men and women. It also reevaluates his marriage to Isabella of France, portraying its initial happiness—before the threats from Hugh Despenser and her alliance with Roger Mortimer led to tragedy.
This book refutes 700 years of misinformation to reveal what can truly be known about the marriage of Edward and Isabella, and the other people they may have loved. It’s a fascinating and much-needed correction that sweeps away ugly stereotypes to show the real human beings underneath. It’s a smart, insightful, compassionate, and enjoyable read that made me want to cheer.
NetGalley, Andrea Romance
Exceptionally well written and an inherently fascinating read, "The Castle in the Wars of the Roses" is an impressively informative and seminal contribution to the literature on the Wars of the Roses in general, and to the study of siege warfare in the Middle Ages in particular. Very highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library British Military History collections and supplemental Medieval Warfare curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "The Castle in the Wars of the Roses" is also readily available in a digital book format.
Read the full review [link=https://www.midwestbookreview.com/lbw/oct_23.htm#MilitaryHistory]here[/link]
Midwest Book Review
Exceptionally well written and an inherently fascinating read, "The Castle in the Wars of the Roses" is an impressively informative and seminal contribution to the literature on the Wars of the Roses in general, and to the study of siege warfare in the Middle Ages in particular. Very highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library British Military History collections and supplemental Medieval Warfare curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "The Castle in the Wars of the Roses" is also readily available in a digital book format.
Read the full review [link=https://www.midwestbookreview.com/lbw/oct_23.htm#MilitaryHistory]here[/link]
Midwest Book Review
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England's Medieval Navy 1066-1509
We are accustomed to think of England in terms of Shakespeare's 'precious stone set in a silver sea', safe behind its watery ramparts with its naval strength resisting all invaders. To the English of an earlier period – from the 8th to the 11th centuries – such a notion would have seemed ridiculous. The sea, rather than being a defensive wall,… Read more...
On the 25th October 1415 Henry Vs small and dispirited Anglo/Welsh Army destroyed a vast French Army at Azincourt. This programme looks at not just this iconic battle immortalised by Shakespeare and many other authors but the campaign that led up to this final great English victory of the 100 Years War when the Yeoman of England reigned supreme on… Read more...
On 11 July 1346 the Anglo/Welsh army of Edward III started to disembark in the bay at St Vaast in the Cotentin Peninsula. In a period of 12 months this army won 3 major battles Caen, Blanchtaque and Crecy and captured Calais, which would remain in English hands until 1558 a thorn in the side of France. This campaign was the first major chapter in the… Read more...