Rob S. Rice

Fighting Techinques of the Orienal World describes the gighting teachnique of the armies of East Asia, from the age of the Mongol expansion in the thirteenth century to the Anglo-Chinese Opium Wars of the mid-nineteenth century, The book expplores the tactics and strategy required to win battles with the technology available, and illustrates how the development of such weapons changed the way battles were fought.

In the first chapter, the book considers the key role of infantry at the battles of Tumu (1449), Maymyo (1767), Kawanakajima (1561), and Nagashino (1575). The uses and merits of spearmen and archers are explored, and the revolutionary impact of gunpowder weapons examined. The second chapter looks at the creation of the cavalry army by the Mongols and the crucial development of the horse archer as a key battlefield element at encounters such as Vochan (1277). Using examples such as Kalka River (1223) and Hansando (1592), the third chapter discusses the command structures and development of new technologies and tactics to defeat seemingy more numerous foes. In an era of fortifications, the fourth chapter examines the employment and development of siege weapons, from the 'Crouching Tiger' catapult to advanced mortars, at sieges such as Xiangyang (1267), Chinju (1592), and Osaka (1615). the final chapter analyzes the development of naval warfare, examining key encounters at Lake Poyang (1363), Sacheon (1592), and Wusung River (1842).

Tactics, fighting techinques, weapons, and equipment of Oriental armies explained by means of color tactical maps and black-and-white artworks.

Contains 20 full-color maps and acconts of key battles, such as Kalka River (1223), the siege of Xiangyang (1267), the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281, Kawanakajima (1561), Nagashino (1575), the seige of Chinju (1592), Hansando (1592), the seige of Osaka (1615), Ulan Butung (1690), the capture of the dagu forts (1860) and many more.

Provides a detaied, highly-illustrated guide to Oriental warfare.

Michael E. Haskew has been writing and researching military history subjects for over 20 years. He is the editor of World War II History Magazine. He lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has previoiusly contributed to Battles of the Bible and Battles that Changed Warfare.

Christer Jorgensen graduated with a Ph.D. from University College, London. An expert on military history, Christer has published various books on the history of warfare. He has previously contributed to Fighting Techniques of the Early Modern World and Battles that Changed Warfare.

Chirs McNab is an editor and writer on military topics who has published over 60 titles in the last twelve years. He has written extensively on military history, weapons technology, and the practices and history of special forces.

Eric Niderost teaches history at Chabot College in California. He has written numerous articles on military history but China and Korea hold a special interest for him. He has appeared in many British and American publications, including Military Heritage, Military History, and Osprey Military Journal.

Rob S. Rice is a professor at the American Miitary University, teaching courses on Ancient and Modern Naval Warfare. He has published articles in the Oxford Companion to American Military History and contributed to Battles of the Ancient World, Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World, and Battles of the Bible.

Contents

Chapter 1 The role of infantry
Chapter 2 Mounted warfare
Cahpter 3 Command and control
Chapter 4 Siege warfare
Cahpter 5 Naval warfare
Select bibliography
Index… (more)

A coffee table book on ancient warfare. “Ancient” here refers to the Mediterranean Classical world, nothing from China or India (except Alexander’s battle with Porus on the Hydaspes). Sections on infantry, cavalry, command and control, sieges, and naval warfare. Battle maps are color, full page or page and a half, but are difficult to follow, with successive positions indicated by numbered text and arrows from the margins; it might have been better to use smaller maps but more of them to show unit movements. I was able to follow things because I already knew how all the battles worked out. Not bad if you want a one-volume book but if you have a serious interest I’d would go with books covering the individual battles. A short bibliography, mostly of other general works. A useful glossary, especially for Persian terms. No foot- or endnotes.… (more)

Its an interesting and surprisingly dense book on fighting in the ancient world. The text is primarily tactical and its discussion of equipment, and combat skills supplement the discussion of tactic which of course makes a lot of sense because what you have often determines what you can do. Informative but can be a bit of a laborious read mostly because you hear about the Romans and Greek and fertile crescent civilizations all the time. Its a great entry point for those interested in military history.… (more)