The author has developed a long interest in medieval history and has published articles on many aspects of culture and warfare. He is now coordinator for the Richard III Foundation Inc. With that background, it is to be expected that any book he writes will be authoritative. The medieval period is one of great contrasts and many readers will be most familiar with just one concept
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Forthcoming – Edward IV
Edward IV was indisputably the most effective general of the Wars of the Roses. His actions on the battlefields against the Lancastrians saw him become King of England twice, a title which he contended with Henry VI for almost twenty years before his sudden death in 1483 at the age of 41. In this time, Edward was undefeated in battle and proved himself as a formidable and deadly military leader.
We shall fight on the Beaches – Defying Napoleon & Hitler, 1805 and 1940
Britain was long protected by her navy and the sea that surrounded the British Isles. What makes this book particularly important and worthwhile is that he has taken both threats and identified where they were similar and where they introduced unique aspects. In doing so, he has provided an extension of knowledge for those who concentrate on either Napoleonic or WWII history, bringing some fresh insights also into their favoured periods of history.
A History of Arctic Exploration
Of all the books published each year, there are a number that stand out and this is one. It is a literally weighty volume beautifully produced with fine illustration and involving text. this is a fine book and aggressively priced when its quality is considered.
Britain’s Historic Ships – A Complete Guide to the Ships that Shaped Britain
A reasonably priced book that features concise text and first rate illustration with photographs reproduced in full colour. The author has selected historic vessels and reproductions of historic vessels. The conclusion is HMY Britannia which for many reasons marks the end of a period in British history her premature retirement
The Restoration Warship – The Design, Construction and Career of a Third Rate of Charles II’s Navy
This fine volume achieves several things together. The excellent illustrations provide detail that a modelmaker needs, but also shows the detail of the construction of the original vessel explaining how it was put together. Some experienced modelmakers will undoubtedly exactly follow the construction rather than making frames from ply or board to create a model that will match the quality of this book. However, the book is much more than a guide for modellers. It contains a history of the design and construction and operation of this third rater. The Restoration Navy has traditionally received much less coverage than it merits.
Churchill’s Navy, paperback
Published in hard back in 2006, this new edition will be accessible to a new readership as a result of its lower cost. There is no reduction in quality with the same range of first class illustrations, some in full colour.
The Sea Chart – The Illustrated History of Nautical Maps and Navigational
Some books may be particularly well illustrated but few are works of art. This book fits into the latter category and is also packed with information. It is a natural companion to Empire of the Seas. The pricing is very aggressive for a book of this quality. Excellent
2010 Shipwright – The International Annual of Maritime History & Ship
features high quality illustration and the use of full colour where possible. There is much for model makers and much for maritime enthusiasts and those interested in history. History and model making is integrated in a way that will maintain the interest of both groups of reader.
Warship 2009
Warship 2009 is a worthy addition maintaining the established reputation of combining ten original articles with a reviews section and photographic gallery. The standard of writing is as usual of a high standard. The articles cover subjects that have often not received the attention they deserved and illustration includes rare photographs.