A Guide to Battles

A Guide to Battles tells the stories of 300 of the world's most dramatic, memorable, and important clashes, from battles in ancient Egypt to the Second Gulf War. Organized chronologically and by region it provides tactical, technological, and historical context. It is highly accessible to the genera [...]
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A Guide to Battles tells the stories of 300 of the world's most dramatic, memorable, and important clashes, from battles in ancient Egypt to the Second Gulf War. Organized chronologically and by region it provides tactical, technological, and historical context. It is highly accessible to the general reader and invaluable for the specialist.

Co-edited by renowned military historian and TV presenter, Richard Holmes and prolific writer of military history, Martin Marix Evans

Individual sections on almost 300 of the most important battles in world history - from the battle of Megiddo fought by the ancient Egyptians to the Second Gulf War

Thematic chapters place the battles in their historical, tactical, and technological context

Ranges from Europe and the Americas through to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific

Detailed maps show the course of famous campaigns whilst the numerous illustrations - many from contemporary sources - bring the narrative to life

Extensive index gives the reader quick access to historical figures, locations, battle formations, and much more

Previous format was the best-selling Battlefield: Decisive Conflicts in History This fascinating book tells the stories of the most dramatic, memorable, and important conflicts in world history, from Agincourt, Lepanto, and Trafalgar, to Gettysburg, Stalingrad, and the Somme. It begins with the battle of Megiddo fought by the ancient Egyptians and takes the reader through to the Second Gulf War of 2003. On the way it encompasses almost 300 battles from around the world - from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, to Europe and the Americas. All the battles are grouped within chapters which tell the wider story of a particular era or region, for instance the ancient world or the Americas. Each chapter includes an informative introduction that sets out the historical, tactical, and technological context, and looks at current debates. Individual battles are placed clearly within the wars and campaigns of which they formed a part, making it possible for the reader to follow the details of the battle, and at the same time to understand its military and historical implications. Battlefield summarizes the very best of contemporary scholarship on battles and war in an accessible, engaging narrative.

Detailed maps portray the course of famous battles and campaigns, and a range of illustrations - many from contemporary sources - bring the narrative to life. An extensive index gives the reader quick access to historical figures, locations, battle formations, and much more. This is an indispensable guide for history students, military enthusiasts, and professionals working in the field, and an ideal book for anyone with an interest in what Winston Churchill called 'punctuation marks in history'.

Readership: All those interested in military history; history students and teachers; writers and journalists; readers who have bought other books by Richard Holmes, and viewers of his television series.