Infantry Warfare in the Early Fourteenth Century : Discipline, Tactics, and Technology (Warfare in History)

Rating:
Summary: Insightful Reexamination of Old Sources
Review: Theodor Mommsen once remarked that what historians need is "not more documents, but sturdier shoes." This could be the motto of the author of this work, Kelly DeVries, who is obviously not afraid of getting his shoes muddy as he reexamines old ground. Here he has with obvious relish and great skill tramped over both the old sources and the actual battle sites to come up with a stunning new interpretation of the role of infantry in medieval warfare. Professor DeVries' command of the sources is impressive. His narrative powers, particularly in the chapters focusing on the individual battles, are strong and memorable. Unlike the writings of many of his professional colleagues, Professor DeVries' work is accessible to the non-specialist. This is a first rate treatment of a neglected angle of history.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful Reexamination of Old Sources
Review: Theodor Mommsen once remarked that what historians need is "not more documents, but sturdier shoes." This could be the motto of the author of this work, Kelly DeVries, who is obviously not afraid of getting his shoes muddy as he reexamines old ground. Here he has with obvious relish and great skill tramped over both the old sources and the actual battle sites to come up with a stunning new interpretation of the role of infantry in medieval warfare. Professor DeVries' command of the sources is impressive. His narrative powers, particularly in the chapters focusing on the individual battles, are strong and memorable. Unlike the writings of many of his professional colleagues, Professor DeVries' work is accessible to the non-specialist. This is a first rate treatment of a neglected angle of history.