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Osprey publishing. Men at Arms series.
Medieval Scandinavian Armies (1). 1100 - 1300.
Review by Steve Crofts.
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Background
This subject ( medieval Scandinavian armies 1100-1300) is one that I had never thought of, if you know my meaning, yes I do know some medieval history but not enough to say I’m proficient on the subject and would feel comfortable in a discussion on the subject. So opening this new osprey was a toe in the water experience and I thought I had opened a book on Jousting and tourneys,... Well I was wrong! And a new insightful journey was begun!
The introduction to the book sets the scene for the period or periods, some may put it ,as I learned that the medieval military history in Scandinavia was divided into several parts each of which was explained enough to give you insight but not too much for boredom to set in! Just the ticket!
Maps help you to understand about what was going off where, and photographs show pictures of tapestries, Archeology and the remains of buildings
etc....
The book also contains a chronology chart showing the time line of historical events in Scandinavia during the period covered.
After which comes a piece on the social and military organisation, this is also insightful and a fair amount can be learnt on the domestic life of the population at this time and how the Hierarchy worked, touching on subjects such a land ect.... and the role of the church.
Also covered are subjects such as mercenaries, councillors and the administrators.
The book then moves onto weapons and equipment, from helmets and shields to body armour and swords ect, complimented by black and white photographs of surviving artifacts, this subject covers a full 8 pages including explanations of their use and " upgrades" to these.
Tourneys and heraldry is touched on lightly before again the book moves onto strategy and tactics. Again this was a bit of an eye opener for me, as I just thought that the two sides met in a field and whacked each other stupid, till one gave in. The book talks of shield walls and uses of the bows of the time, I also learned that in general large battles were avoided or only risked when odds looked more favourable to one side than the other!
The book also takes into account the climate and the types of ground and the effects on the armies concerned, again another eye opener!
The subject of fixed and field fortifications are covered and photographs of remaining examples are included in the book, as well as a sectional drawing of a typical wall section.
Siege warfare is also touched upon.
A further reading list is also supplied to Aid those who are really interested in the subject or whom would like to have more info on certain aspects covered in the book.
The plates, well these are astounding and well presented, ( they even include a chap on skis, what about modelling that guy!).
All the plates are explained in the back of the book and extra information can be gained in the texts.
My thoughts overall
All though the book is not from one of the periods I game in or read about usually, it was a real interesting voyage of discovery. It combines archeology, history and colour, to what I would guess is a little read about subject as for as Scandinavia was concerned, I just thought that, that’s where the Vikings came from and that was it, after reading this I now know different!
I feel that this book is of interest to a wide range of people, from history students to Wargamer’s, collectors and history buffs.
In general a nice book to have in your collection if this period of history appeals, or you wish to learn something new!
In my opinion the authors know their stuff and the book is well worth purchasing for the wealth of information held within its covers.
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