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Osprey Publishing
Renaissance War Galley 1470-1590
byAngus Konstam, Illustrated by Tony Bryan
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During the medieval and Renaissance period the Mediterranean was Europes motorway with thousands of ships large and small ploughing well known trader routes to the East, bringing the riches and spices of the Orient to the courts of Europe, and the gold and gems of Africa to the markest of the North.
Powerful empires, their wealth based on trade and maritime power vied for control of the Adriatic, and the vital trade routes. Spain, France, Venice, The Ottomans, The Barbary States, all controlled fleets that were a visible symbol of their power and military aggression. And yet in the UK little is known of these naval campaigns, strange perhaps in a nation whose own history has been so intimately involved with naval acumen.
Angus Konstam has produced a very readable, and yet detailed account not only of the historical incidents of the period, but also of the tactics and strategy of naval galley warfare. This is totally different to the development of high seas sailing fleets, and is far more to do with the rapid transit of land forces in order to capture and hold fortified bases. The development of seaborne artillery brought changes in galley warfare but in the end it war the superiority in hand to hand fighting that was most often the deciding factor in action.
As usual though it is the superb illustrations that make this volume such an attractive buy. The artist Tony Bryan has brought his tremendous skill and attention to detail to play in the 8 full colour plates. These being supported by a whole host of contemporary black and white artwork.
The subject of this volume is somewhat specialised, but there is much to interest not only the naval wargaming enthusiast, but also especially in the discussion of naval strategy plenty to interest the general military reader. Well worth the space on your library shelf!
ISBN 1 84176 443 4
48 pages, 8 colour plates
£8.99
This publication is available from Osprey direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, U.K., NN8 2FA or click the link below: -
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