West European Studies

Medieval Weapons An Illustrated History of their Impact
The history of medieval weaponry is one that is peppered with colorful characters and astounding technological advancements but has long since been relegated to singular chapters in books that deem to cover the entire history of the Dark Ages. Esteemed professor in military history Kelly DeVries and historical artilleries expert Robert Douglas Smith team up to create a work that details the progression of this aspect of Medieval history. And they manage to concoct an exciting historical narrative on the development of medieval weaponry in their book Medieval Weapons An Illustrated History of their Impact. Their treatise gives great emphasis on how mans desire to create deadlier, more efficient weapons brought forth technological advancements that molded the course of history. In this context, by analyzing military exploits performed during the Medieval we can pinpoint how it has contributed to the formation of the consequent era.

This work is accomplished by years of experience and research in the part of the authors. DeVries is a noted American historian and a professor of History at the Loyola University Maryland. He specializes in Medieval history and technology and has since released several books and  edited journals on the subject. His major titles include The Artillery of the Dukes of Burgundy and Joan of Arc A Military Leader. Aside from this, he is also often featured in the History Channel as a guest commentator. A frequent collaborator of DeVries on numerous projects, Smith is an independent scholar who was once the Head of Conservation at the Royal Armouries (Tower of London). He has since conducted several seminars on the conservation and restoration of arms and armour, most notably for the International Association of Museums of Arms and Military History.

The book is broken into four main sections, each chronicling an important period of the Medieval, the first of which concerns the Early Middle Ages from 376 AD to 750 AD. For those new to Medieval history, the authors reserved the beginning of each chapter to recount details regarding the social atmosphere of each epoch. By giving this brief backgrounder, the authors manage not to alienate new readers who are unfamiliar with the specifics of the era. In this part, they narrate the cruel demise of the Roman Empire upon the hands of invading barbarians and how their rash decision-making actually led to this downfall. But the most important topic discussed in this section is the military changes introduced by the invading Germanic culture into that of the defeated Roman Empire which eventually changed the way they formed governments, recruited soldiers, and fought wars. Also described in the section are the methods of organization implemented by the military, the cavalry, and the standard Roman armour.

The next section essentially follows the same format the readers are first introduced to the topic by giving a chronological history of the era followed by the developments that came about during this time. The Carolingian Era, from 750 AD to 1050 AD, helmed by Charlemagne, saw the rise of archery as a major component of warfare as a result of his campaign against the Avars, who were known to be experts in this arena. From this single situation, archery has become a staple in Medieval warfare and actually dictated much of the developments in other areas, much like in architecture. Rectangular holes were placed along the outer walls of any formidable castle, and here archers will be able to attack their enemies without being seen or hit.

The third section of the book is another detailed review and analysis of the particular era. In this part, we see how the Crusades have come to be the most effective military campaign during the time of the Medieval. DeVries and Smith create for us a detailed picture of how transactions were made during this era of great economic growth. We see now how the Crusaders came to adapt the military culture of the countries they pass by through in an effort to reach the Holy Land. They encountered the Muslim infantry and saw how these Middle-Easterners use their swords. In this sense, solders whove gone to different lands were able to adapt to the local fighting culture and thus be able to bring this kept knowledge to the table.

Finally, the book caps off with an analysis of the Late Medieval period that involves the gradual transition from Medieval to the Renaissance. In this part, DeVries and Smith make a detailed assessment of the progression of military culture, from the rise of the barbarians to that present situation.

The book is entirely without its faults. Although it is most entertaining, there is a discrepancy between the writing styles of the two authors that clearly shows itself in the work. Because of this dual authorship, various sections are wholly compromised. Though the book gives us a rare insight into the growth of the military and weaponry during that period, it fails to give us a more thorough criticism of the time. It only sought to define and describe important factors of the military, and did not give any metaphorical insight on why it was chosen. Finally, it is surprising that there is not more cross-referencing between the narrative and catalog sections of the study.

But overall, despite these few criticisms on the piece, we cannot forget the remarkable contribution the book and its authors have given to the study of Medieval warfare, especially to those neophytes who wish to learn more about the subject. The book is highly recommended for all those new to the study of warfare and is even more advised for those adept at the subject but wish to review their facts or just enjoy a good book.  And with its subject and easy-to-read feel, it can surely serve as a handy and informative reference work for years to come.