The Normans (Elite)

This is the ninth in Osprey's "Elite" series, which gives fuller treatment to fighting units and other aspects of military history than the long-established "Men-at-Arms" series -- sixty-four pages instead of forty. I know something about Norman history, so I was curious to see what a volume this size could impart, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Nicolle is an authority in medieval subjects, and he does a good job summarizing the essential Norman character, exploring their attitudes toward religion, and describing the function of feudalism. The section on the Norman ability to adapt to new conditions and cultures is especially well-written and concise. Most of the volume, of course, deals with the Normans' preferences in weapons, armor, and tactics, from the simple conical nasal-fitted helmet of the early days in northwestern France to the far more elaborate Byzantine-influenced garments and weapons of the Norman kingdoms in Sicily and Antioch. This also includes Norman innovations in fortifications and conversion, when the necessity arose, to Mediterranean sailors. A better than average work.

I'm a history major. These Osprey books seem to be of universally high quality, especially considering that they are intended for consumption by laymen. I own quite a few of them, I'm keeping them for my kids, but I find them fun. I would rate them higher if they listed the sources they reference (so I can backtrack their research) but this is rare in general market books. The plates are generally pretty accurate, there have been some minor inaccuracies (some of which I've found pointed out in the text). I would mainly offer them to smart kids around middle school as they can be a fun way to learn about ancient warfare, I think the pictures are mainly to keep the attention of a mainstream audience that includes kids and young adults. For that purpose they excell as they have much more meaty info than the other "illustrated history" books. Regarding a previous review by that russian guy who accuses historical inaccuracy. I can't comment on the fashion choices as medieval fashion is definitely not my area, but European martial arts/history is my specialty. That "slashing spear" is called a glaive and it *is* historically accurate. Unlike the naginata used by the japanese which has a tang that extends into the haft, the glaive is affixed via a socket like an axe head. There were a wide variety of bizzare polearms in use at the time, including similar arms like the voluge, berdiche, glaive-guisarme, and halberd. Check your facts, dude.

This book has served as an introduction to Norman history for me. The text is very informative and covers the Norman armies and arsenal from the Crusading Kingdoms to Ireland, and from Sicily to Saxon England. Do not listen to what the previous review said about the plates, they are excellent, depicting the Normans at the sites of their various campaigns. There are plates depicting Norman castles and ships, a Norman warrior courting a noble-lady, and the climatic Battle of Hastings.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the state of Normandy. Like most Osprey titles it is good introduction to the subject it represents. I was dissapointed however by Dr. Nicolle's lack of emotion in his writing. Unlike other titles in the Osprey series, this book has the drama of history made relatively dry. Despite this, the information presented is very informative, and would be an excellent secondary source for a paper. Perhaps the best aspect of this book is Mr. McBride's artwork. Unlike his peers, his illustrations seem very realistic. Nothing ruins a good book like drawings of soldiers milling around aimlessly with strange facial expressions. McBride puts depth and emotion in his illustrations, not just "soldiers on parade". I also like the fact that he puts a backround in his pictures, instead of stark white. If I could find large prints of his work I would certainly frame them and adorn my walls with them.