Armies of Ivan the Terrible: Russian Troops 1505-1700

I cannot vouch for the historical accuracy of this book, but its content is presented in a concise and readable fashion, and it is well-endowed with excellent plates by Angus McBride. This title seems to be another humorous case of David Nicolle's habit of naming books covering a several century span after one man (as he did with Attila, Arthur, Saladin, and El Cid).

It's about time someone took the time to write and illustrate this amazing era in Russian history. The team of David Nicolle and Angus McBride never dissapoint. The addition of Russian author V. Shpakovsky is also welcomed...and gives a real insight into the era. Very few can challenge Mr. Nicolle on Islamic History and equally few can challenge Mr. McBride on Historical Illustration. I am happy to own an actual plate from this book...and my best friend has one as well. They are all beautifully rendered. It's a rich and colorful history and once digested will give you a much better understanding of the thought and vision of Peter the Great, who followed...and what has become the beginings of modern Russia.

A much needed addition to the Osprey line. The title can be a bit deceiving, as the book is not strictly about Ivan the Terrible's army, but covers a 200 year period beginning before Ivan's reign and finishing at the beginning of Peter I's ascension to the throne. The authors are David Nicolle, an Osprey hall-of-famer, and V Shpakovsky, a newer author who is becoming one of my favorites. The main thesis seems to be that Peter's refoms didn't happen out of nowhere, but were built on the innovations of his predecessors. I remain unconvinced on this issue. Still, the volume has more than enough to recommend it. Beginning with a quick look at the Russian army in 1500, the authors go on to describe Ivan's innovations, including the Streltsi, Oprichniki, improvements in the cavalry and artillery. A look at the Russian army in the 17th century follows including fortisfications. A brief section on the Cossacks and Lithuania closes out the text. There is not much on the actual campaigns and battles, but rather the focus is on organization, technology and uniforms. Angus McBride does the color plates. I am not a big fan of Mr. McBride's, which in fairness, probably puts me in the minority, but its my opinion. I find his figures biomechanically challenged and lacking continuity or rhythm. The plates do however convey the necessay information well.