Books matching: siege warfare
18 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Fire in the East is a historical novel set in the late Roman Empire, focusing on the siege of the Roman city of Arete by the Sassanid Persians in the mid-250 AD period. The story follows the Roman general Ballista, a barbarian from Denmark, as he leads his men in heroic efforts to defend the stronghold against the invading Persians. The author, Harry Sidebottom, weaves historical facts with creative storytelling, providing a detailed and engaging narrative of siege warfare in antiquity.
The book delves into the political intrigue of the Roman Empire, as Ballista is sent to hold the city against the Sassanid Persians by the Roman emperors. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged with unpredictable events and a fast-paced narrative. Sidebottom's expertise as a Professor of Classical History shines through in the well-researched historical details and the vivid portrayal of Roman military tactics and life during this tumultuous period.
By the time the warship had cleared the harbour breakwater of Brundisium, the spies had found each other. They sat on the deck, inconspicuous among the men of the Dux Ripae. From their position near t... - #2
'Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City' by K.J. Parker is a fantasy novel set in a city under siege, where the protagonist, Orhan, an engineer, finds himself unexpectedly in charge of defending the city. The story is narrated by Orhan himself, known for his acerbic wit and sarcastic observations, which add humor and entertainment to the plot. The book explores themes of heroism, community, and the challenges faced by Orhan as he navigates through the siege using his cleverness and engineering skills.
I was in Classis on business. I needed sixty miles of second-grade four-inch hemp rope—I build pontoon bridges—and all the military rope in the empire goes through Classis. What you’re supposed to do ... 'Eclipse of the Crescent Moon' by Geza Gardonyi is a historical novel set in 16th-century Hungary during the Ottoman occupation. It narrates the extraordinary 1552 Siege of Eger where a small Hungarian force defended the castle against a large Turkish army, led by Captain István Dobó. The novel romanticizes the life of one of the Hungarian leaders, Gergely Bornemissza, who played a crucial role in driving the Turks away from the fort. The story is action-packed, sprinkled with romance, intrigue, and vivid descriptions of the battles between Hungarians and Turks. Gardonyi's writing style is engaging, making the 500-page book a fun and easy read despite its length, with interesting characters and few lulls in the action.
- #4
"Sword and Scimitar" by Simon Scarrow is set during the 1565 Ottoman Siege of Malta, focusing on the story of Sir Thomas Barrett, a disgraced former Knight with divided loyalties. Ordered by Queen Elizabeth to retrieve a mysterious scroll guarded by the Order, Sir Thomas finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue, personal struggles, and the desperate fight for survival against the Ottoman Empire. The plot weaves historical accuracy with the character-driven narrative, bringing to life the brutal siege and the internal conflicts faced by the protagonist.
The writing style of Simon Scarrow in "Sword and Scimitar" is commended for its attention to historical detail and fast-paced storytelling. Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions of the Siege of Malta, the complex character development of Sir Thomas Barrett, and the engaging portrayal of political tensions and religious conflicts during the Elizabethan era. Despite some mixed opinions on character likability and pacing, the book is praised for its immersive depiction of a lesser-known historical event and the author's ability to blend fiction with real events seamlessly.
'Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944' by Anna Reid is a moving and well-researched account of the people of Leningrad during the siege of World War II. The author effectively portrays the chilling experiences of ordinary Russians during the darkest days of the Nazi invasion, providing a realistic and invaluable insight into the reality of life in a siege city. Through eyewitness accounts and recently uncovered diaries, the book vividly describes the transformation of a once vibrant city into a famine-stricken nightmare, dispelling myths and highlighting the resilience and suffering of the Leningraders.
Drive sixty kilometres south-west of what used to be Leningrad and you come to what Russians call dacha country: a green, untilled landscape of small lakes, soft dirt roads, tall, rusty-barked ‘ship p...- #6
The Red Knight is a high fantasy book overlayed with plausible demographics, economics, and medieval military nerdery. The plot revolves around a mercenary company led by the Red Knight, specializing in monster hunting, who is hired to protect an Abbey from the forces of the Wild, drawing in a myriad of characters from kings and queens to mages and witches. The story is a complex saga with mayhem, magic, and violent carnage, showcasing a world filled with extraordinary powers and opposing forces. The writing style is descriptive, with a focus on detailed medieval elements and a large cast of characters with multiple viewpoints.
And as a reward, he sat in this rich town with a garrison a third the size that it was supposed to be on paper. A garrison of hirelings who bossed the weak, abused the women, and took money from the t... - #7
'Tower Lord' by Anthony Ryan is the second volume in the 'Raven's Shadow' series. The story follows the characters Vaelin al Sorna, Frentis, Lyrna, and the new addition Reva, as they navigate through a world filled with political intrigue, magic, prophecies, and epic battles. is written in a multi-POV style, providing a deeper insight into the characters' motivations and struggles, while also expanding the scope of the narrative beyond the events of the first book. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a complex plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
She watched the tall man as he made his way down the gangplank and onto the quayside. He was dressed in common sailor’s garb, plain, dun-coloured cloth and sturdy but aged boots, a threadbare woollen ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Raven's Shadow ) - #8
Stephen Fry masterfully introduces you to the world of Greek mythology, covering almost the entirety of Greek mythology in an entertaining way. Concluding Fry's trilogy of the Greek myths, 'Troy' gives a very full account of the war from the founding of Troy to its final defeat. Fry takes on the Trojan War as a history of the city and the people involved, making it as much a story of the city as it is a war story. The book provides a detailed and extensive account of the Trojan War, tracing the lineage of Greek gods, kings, and queens, and describing the war in a way that immerses the reader into the epic battle.
Troy. The most marvellous kingdom in all the world. The Jewel of the Aegean. Glittering Ilium, the city that rose and fell not once but twice. Gatekeeper of traffic in and out of the barbarous east. K...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mythos ) Antony Beevor's 'Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942–1943' is a meticulously researched and vividly written account of the brutal battle that took place in Stalingrad during World War II. The book delves into the strategic decisions made by Hitler and Stalin, the immense sacrifices of soldiers on both sides, and the harrowing conditions faced by those involved in the conflict. Readers are taken on a journey through the siege, experiencing the horror, heroism, and sheer scale of the battle, which ultimately became a turning point in the war.
Saturday, 21 June 1941, produced a perfect summer’s morning. Many Berliners took the train out to Potsdam to spend the day in the park of Sans Souci. Others went swimming from the beaches of the Wanns...- #10
Life in a Medieval Castle by Joseph Gies is a comprehensive exploration of the daily life within medieval castles, providing valuable insights into the socio-political history of the time. The authors delve beyond the mere military functions of castles, focusing on their roles as homes and estate headquarters. The book is accessible and engaging, offering a thorough tour of medieval castles, their occupants, and their experiences. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of everyday life in a castle, from the handling of waste to the effects of siege, presented with examples and explanations.
The writing style in Life in a Medieval Castle is praised for being clear, readable, and informative, making it accessible even for non-medieval scholars. The book covers various aspects of castle life, from the highest to the lowest inhabitants, and provides valuable information on topics such as table manners, dining etiquette, hunting, and the castle as a house. With a focus on historical accuracy and a wealth of examples, the book paints a vivid picture of medieval society and the importance of castles within it.
Requiring no skilled labor, such motte-and-bailey castles were quick and cheap to construct. They had a further advantage in that they were basically independent of considerations of terrain, and coul...