Battles of the Ancient World 1285 BC - AD 451: From Kadesh to Catalaunian Field

I picked this book up on a whim at the bookstore, and I'm glad I did! The book provide a fascinating look at some of the most pivotal battles in the ancient Middle East and Europe. Each battle is given a thorough review, including the pretext of the battle, the commanders involved, the terrain of the battle, and the sources used in recounting the battle. I especially enjoyed the illustrations showing the tactical formations and maneuvers used by each army. This gives the reader a good high-level overview of how each battle plays out. One minor nitpick: I really wish the battle of Zama was included in this book. Reading about how Hannibal was finally defeated would have been nice. However, this is a minor quibble for a book that is otherwise excellent.

Maybe the best book I've bought this year. Historicaly accurate, full of insight and understanding. It really puts you "There" when, where, how the battles came about, were fought and ended. It doesn't take sides in the battles, while generating great interest. I loved this book and will read it again and again I'm sure.