The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare: The Triumph of the West (Cambridge Illustrated Histories)

by Geoffrey Parker
Geoffrey Parker
The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare: The Triumph of the West (Cambridge Illustrated Histories)
Published : 29 Sep 2008 - Cambridge University Press
Now available in a revised and updated version, The Cambridge Illustrated History of Warfare provides a unique account of Western warfare from antiquity to the present day. The book treats the history of all aspects of the subject: the development of warfare on land, sea and air; weapons and technology; strategy and defence; discipline and intelligence; mercenaries and standing armies; cavalry and infantry; chivalry and Blitzkrieg; guerilla assault and nuclear arsenals. It places in context particular key events in the history of armed engagement, from the Greek victory at Marathon, through the introduction of gunpowder in medieval England and France, to the jungle warfare of Vietnam and the strategic air attacks of the Gulf War. Throughout, there is an emphasis on the socio-economic aspects of military progress: who pays for it, how can its returns be measured, and to what extent does it explain the rise of the West to global dominance over two millennia?

Reviews

Highly polished and well illustrated, this book is a comprehensive history of the Western (European) way of war, spanning ancient Greece to today's modern methods and policies of destruction… The text is superbly supported by numerous and handy sidebars providing details, insights, and anecdotes… Parker's conclusion is historically based and particularly chilling.

Library Journal

…this is a well-written and handsomely presented volume… the illustrations are pertinent, and the captions interesting… the range of scholarship is impressive… and it has all been pulled together by the finest military historian currently writing, who has also contributed several important sections.

History in Focus

… exceptional… beautifully illustrated… A highly readable book, and an interesting one, both for the expert and the amateur enthusiast. A must for college libraries.

USI Journal

This book deserves close attention from the student of military affairs…a valuable overview of the history of warfare…

Foreign Affairs

This is an attractive book. The numerous illustrations are marvellous and are integrated well with the text.

Journal of World History

[I]impressive

Contemporary Review

Showing 5 of 6 reviews

Other books by Geoffrey Parker

Global Crisis: War, Climate Change and Catastrophe in the Seventeenth Century Global Crisis: War, Climate Change and Catastrophe in the Seventeenth Century
Empire War and Faith Empire War and Faith
The Grand Strategy of Philip II The Grand Strategy of Philip II
The Spanish Armada The Spanish Armada
The Thirty Years' War The Thirty Years' War
The Military Revolution: Military Innovation and the Rise of the West, 1500-1800 The Military Revolution: Military Innovation and the Rise of the West, 1500-1800