English Weapons and Warfare, 449-1660 (1966)

"English Weapons and Warfare 449-1660" is another foray into the field of military history led by the productive author A.V.B. Norman. I have several of his books on the medieval soldier, his equipment, and tactics and have found them all entertaining and somewhat illustrative. This book is no different in quality from his previous works.
In this book, Mr. Norman takes an unusual approach in that he chose to cover the time period of the title in chapters that are sub-divided into 4 uniform areas. Starting in the Saxon period, and ending in the late 17th century, the content is labeled pertaining either to organization, arms and armor, tactics and strategy, and finally castles and cannons. Each section is labeled with an icon to let the reader know that he is crossing a definite boundary on his journey through that particular time period. It is a very useful tool.
This work is well illustrated and filled with Mr. Norman's considerable knowledge of the subject on hand. I had actually gleaned a couple of pieces of insight that I had previously not known (or had forgotten). All in all, a good book, probably a bit on the novice side of study, but useful nonetheless. ( )

Although serious dated, this survey of the weapons, armor, organization, and tactics of English Armies from the Norman Invasion to the English Civil War is still a sound read on the subject. Though it fails to give much notice to the pre-Norman period (it really begins with the period shortly before the invasion) and doesn't offer much better information than that to be found in Osprey books (and with less pretty color pictures), the book is still succint and to the point even if rather short. ( )