May 2023 MBR The World History Shelf

The World History Shelf

Battles of the Wars of the Roses
David Cohen
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
9781399083102, $36.95, HC, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Battles-Wars-Roses-David-Cohen/dp/1399083104

Synopsis: The War of the Roses (1455-1487) saw a series of bloody battles during one of the most turbulent periods of English history. The houses of Lancaster and York fought for control of the crown, devastating the nobility and bringing an end to the illustrious Plantagenet dynasty.

Starting with an overview of the politics and events that culminated in the wars, "Battles of the Wars of the Rose" by historian David Cohen is new history focuses on the seventeen battles that took place around the country between 1455 and 1487. It considers the causes, course and result of each battle, beginning with the first battle of St Albans on 22 May 1455, which was won by the Yorkist faction lead by Richard, Duke of York.

The bloodiest battle ever known on English soil at Towton on 29 March 1461, and the victory there of the first Yorkist King Edward IV is described here in vivid detail. The battle of Tewkesbury on 4 May 1471 saw the death of Edward Prince of Wales, the last male heir of the Lancastrians, and the subsequent murder of King Henry VI at the Tower of London. The defeat and death of King Richard III at the battle of Bosworth on 22 August 1485 marked the end of the Plantagenet dynasty. The last battle of the Wars of the Roses was at East Stoke on 16 June 1487 where the first Tudor King Henry VII crushed the Yorkist revolt.

The final chapter of "Battles of the Wars of the Rose" is devoted to the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, who disappeared at the Tower of London during the reign of King Richard III in 1483, and the suspects to their likely murders.

Written with the most up-to-date archaeological and documentary research, and including many images of the main protagonists, battle sites, maps and genealogical charts, "Battles of the Wars of the Rose" offers fascinating new insights into the Wars of the Roses.

Critique: In addition to an informative Introduction, "Battles of the Wars of the Rose" is further informatively enhanced by historian David Cohen with the inclusion of numerous black/white illustrations, a one page Bibliography, a one page listing of Primary Sources, and a six page Index. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Battles of the Wars of the Rose" is highly recommended for both community and academic library 15th Century English History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Battles of the Wars of the Rose" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).

Editorial Note: David Cohen (https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/David-Cohen/a/4646) is a retired Civil Servant (Ministry of Justice) with a degree in social sciences from Leicester University. He is a member of the Royal Historical Society and has studied this period of history for over 40 years. He regularly visits key battle sites such as St Albans, Barnet, Tewkesbury and Bosworth, and runs the popular 'Wars of the Roses and Medieval History' group, alongside fellow historian Sharon Bennett Connolly, contributing articles on the various battles of the Wars of the Roses and its main protagonists.

Henry VIII's Imprisoned Women: The Women of the Tower
Neha Roy
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
9781399095761, $36.95, HC, 216pp

https://www.amazon.com/Henry-VIIIs-Imprisoned-Women-Tower/dp/1399095765

Synopsis: The year is 1534. Henry VIII sits on the throne of England. He has set aside his first wife, Queen Katharine of Aragon, and has married a second time. The marriage to Anne Boleyn brings a new wave of Reformation in England dividing the people and even leading to arrests and executions -- even those of some noteworthy people. The stories of imprisoned women, including Henry's two queens, who were persecuted, condemned and ultimately executed are fully explored with the publication of "Henry VIII's Imprisoned Women: The Women of the Tower" by historian Neha Roy.

Alice Tankerville, the first woman to escape the infamous Tower of London, albeit for a short while; Elizabeth Barton, The Nun of Kent and the only woman to be dealt the dishonor of having her head spiked on London Bridge; Queen Anne Boleyn, whose fall was as tragically spectacular as her rise to fame; Margaret Pole, the last living Plantagenet princess who was denounced as a traitor and met a merciless end in her twilight years; Queen Katheryn Howard, whose daring yet seemingly foolish decisions ultimately led to her downfall; and finally, Anne Askew, the brave Protestant who gained infamy as the only woman to be racked at the Tower.

Through the lives of these women, we are provided a glimpse into the reign of Henry VIII, the capricious monarch who changed the face of England forever. Of special note is that "Henry VIII's Imprisoned Women: The Women of the Tower" also delves into the history of the Tower of London, provides a brief glimpse into the life of Tudor women, and insights into the lives of some noteworthy people of that era.

Critique: Along with an eleven page List of People Mentioned in the Book, seven pages of Endnotes, a section of black/white illustrations, a two page Bibliography and Sources, a four page Author's Note, and a three page listing of Acknowledgments, historian Neha Roy;'s "Henry VIII's Imprisoned Women: The Women of the Tower" is an exceptional work of scholarship -- making it a enduringly welcome and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library 16th Century British History and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, historians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Henry VIII's Imprisoned Women: The Women of the Tower" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).

Editorial Note: Neha Roy (https://www.facebook.com/author.neharoy) is an educational content writer, and her short stories have been published in her local Bengali society's annual magazine and online on her Wattpad page. It was her grandfather who introduced her to the world of books and, later, history. He made her fall in love with history by narrating anecdotes from the past and his life experiences. She recently forayed into non-fiction when she started a blog on the Plantagenets and the Tudor dynasty, and the various Tudor books, podcasts and websites available opened up a whole new world. Her Twitter and Instagram handles are @withtudors

Carthage at War: Punic Armies c. 814-146 BC
Josha R. Hall
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
9781473885387, $42.95, HC,

https://www.amazon.com/Carthage-War-Punic-Armies-814-146/dp/1473885388

Synopsis: The Carthaginians are well known as Rome's great enemy in the three Punic wars and that Hannibal, (the Carthaginians greatest general), is a legendary name in history. While narrative histories of the Punic wars (especially the second) and biographies of Hannibal abound, there have been few studies dedicated to detailed analysis of Carthaginian armies and warfare throughout the city-state's entire existence.

With the publication of "Carthage at War: Punic Armies c. 814-146 BC", historian Joshua Hall puts that right with his in-depth study of their tactics, equipment, unit organization, army composition and operational effectiveness. Importantly, while the Second Punic War is rightly given prominence, this is not at the expense of the many earlier wars Carthage waged as she built and then defended her empire.

Drawing on all the available archaeological and literary evidence, "Carthage at War: Punic Armies c. 814-146 BC) shows the development of Carthage's forces and methods of warfare from the ninth century BC to the city's demise. The result is the most in-depth portrait of the Carthaginian military currently available in English.

Critique: Opening with an informative General Introduction, "Carthage at War: Punic Armies c. 814-146 BC" is enhanced for scholars with the inclusion of an eleven page Bibliography, fifty-two pages of Notes, and a seven page Index. A seminal study of rigorous, meticulous, exceptional research, "Carthage at War: Punic Armies c. 814-146 BC" must be regarded as a core and critically important addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Roman/Carthaginian Military History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. Impressively written, organized and presented, it should also be noted that "Carthage at War: Punic Armies c. 814-146 BC" is also readily available to students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject in a digital book format (Kindle, $25.00).

Editorial Note: Joshua Hall (https://www.joshobrouwers.com/contributors/joshua-r-hall) majored in History at Western Oregon University, then moved to Cardiff University, Wales, to complete his an MA in Ancient and Medieval Warfare (specializing in warfare in ancient Sicily) and a PhD in ancient history on warfare in Archaic Italy. He currently resides in his home state of Oregon and continues to research and write about the ancient world. He has remained at Cardiff as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant while working towards his PhD on warfare in Archaic Italy.

The Army of the Roman Republic
Michael M. Sage
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
9781399020244, $29.95, HC, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Army-Roman-Republic-Period-Julius/dp/1399020242

Synopsis: From the moment its last king was expelled (traditionally in 753 BC), the Roman republic had to fight for its very survival. Centuries of almost continuous warfare saw Rome's armies evolve in response to a wide variety of threats which were met with mixed fortunes though always with ultimate success. As defense of the homeland turned to territorial expansion, Roman forces also had to adapt to sustained campaigns in varied terrain and climates, not to mention the changes in the Roman republic itself.

With the publication of "The Army of the Roman Republic: From the Regal Period to the Army of Julius Caesar", historian and academician Michael Sage traces the development of the republic's army from its foundation (having first set the context of their regal antecedents), down to the time of its most famous leader, Julius Caesar. The transition from clan-based forces, through the Servian levy and the development of the manipular and cohortal legion is examined along with the associated weapons, tactics and operational capabilities.

We also see how the legions shaped up against the challenges of successive enemies from the Celts and Samnites, the Carthaginians and the hitherto-dominant Hellenistic armies based on the Macedonian-style pike phalanx.

Critique: Originally published in a hardcover edition in 2018, "The Army of the Roman Republic: From the Regal Period to the Army of Julius Caesar" by Professor Michael Sage is now available in paperback, as well as in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99). Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a ten page Bibliography, thirty-four pages of Notes, and an eleven page Index, "The Army of the Roman Republic" is especially recommended to the attention of students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, as well as a community Roman History collections and academic supplemental curriculum Roman Military History studies lists.

Editorial Note: Michael Sage (www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Michael-Sage/a/1842) is an emeritus professor and former head of the Department of Classics at the University of Cincinnati. He has also taught at the University of Waterloo in Canada and at the University of California at San Diego. He received his B. A. in anthropology and M.A. in history from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. in Classics from the University of Toronto. He has published numerous articles and encyclopedia articles on many aspects of ancient history, including Roman imperial history and biography as well as ancient military history. He has also published books on St. Cyprian, the third century AD bishop of Carthage, on the Roman historian Tacitus and on Greek as well as on Greek and Roman warfare.

The Trojan War as Military History
Manousos E. Kambouris
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.penandswordbooks.com
9781399094467, $42.95, HC, 272pp

https://www.amazon.com/Trojan-War-Military-History/dp/1399094467

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Trojan War as Military History", author and historian Manousos Kambouris' starting point is the fact that the Iliad, notwithstanding the fantastical/mythological elements (the involvement of gods and demigods), is the earliest detailed description of warfare we have. Stripping away the myths, Kambouris analyses the epic and combines it with other textual and archaeological evidence to produce a coherent narrative of the conflict and of Bronze Age warfare in the Aegean.

"The Trojan War as Military History" presents the most detailed analysis currently possible of Mycenaean Greek armies, including their composition and organization, their weaponry, their armor and tactics, and those of their enemies.

Kambouris finds sophisticated combined-arms forces blending massed infantry with missile troops and chariots, employing open battle, deception and special operations in what amounted to total war. His detailed examination of the mechanics of Bronze Age combat is enriched by his use of insights from experimental archaeology using replica equipment.

No less illuminating or significant than the minutiae of heroic duels is the setting of the strategic context of the conflict and the geopolitical relationship of the Mycenaean Greeks with their rivals across the Aegean. Seeking to integrate the supernatural/divine element of the Iliad within the power structure and struggle of the day, Kambouris lashes the Trojan War to the chariot of rationality and drags it from the mists of mythology and into the realm of History.

Critique: A simply fascinating, informative, thought-provoking read that is enhanced for its readership with the inclusion of numerous plates and illustrations, a four page Bibliography, and a three page Index, "The Trojan War as Military History" is an extraordinary work of original and superbly presented research -- making it a particularly and unreservedly recommended contribution to community, college, and university library Greek and Military History collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, military history buffs, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the Trojan War history, folklore, and mythology, that "The Trojan War as Military History" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).

Editorial Note: Manousos E. Kambouris has a background in scientific writing, contributing chapters on a wide range of disciplines to various edited volumes and journals. He has been researching Ancient Greek warfare for many years and has published numerous articles in Archeologija Prirodne Na (Archaeology and Science), He has written three previous books on Marathon, Salamis and Xenophon's Ten Thousand. For the past 8 years he has been a historical consultant to the experimental archaeology group Koryvantes, the Association of Historical Studies. His other two volumes in this trilogy are also available from Pen & Sword: The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars and The Greek Victories and the Persian Ebb 480-79 BC. (https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Manousos-E-Kambouris/a/4316)

Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact on World War II
Tom Hutton, MD
Texas Tech University Press
PO Box 41037, Lubbock, TX 79409-1037
www.ttupress.org
9781682831663, $27.99, PB, 232pp

https://www.amazon.com/Hitlers-Maladies-Their-Impact-World/dp/1682831663

Synopsis: Toward the end of World War II, Adolph Hitler's many health complications became even more pronounced, making this evil man yet more erratic and dangerous. While the subject of Hitler's health has been catalogued previously, never has it been done so this thoroughly or with the publication of "Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact on World War II: A Behavioral Neurologist's View", with its up-to-date medical expertise by neurologist Tom Hutton.

Dr. Hutton's new neurobehavioral analysis of Adolf Hitler draws from a lifetime of medical research and clinical experience to understand how the dictator's particular medical history further warped a deformed personality and altered Hitler's decision making.

Dr. Hutton trained under the world-renowned neuropsychologist and father of modern neuropsychological assessment, Dr. Alexander Luria, giving him a uniquely qualified eye to undertake this most difficult assessment.

While many books on the subject thumb through the annals of popular psychology to understand history's most famous dictators, Dr. Hutton's analysis uses contemporary clinical knowledge, lucidly synthesizing medical complexities suitable for all readers. With "Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact on World War II: A Behavioral Neurologist's View", Dr. Hutton undertakes a thorough medical history to elucidate a pivotal historical moment, examining how disease impacted Hitler's destructive life.

Critique: A fascinating and informative read that is occasionally enhanced with the inclusion of black/white historical photographs, "Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact on World War II: A Behavioral Neurologist's View" is a strongly recommended contribution to personal, professional, community, and academic library World War II History/Biography collections in general, and supplemental Adolph Hitler oriented curriculum studies lists in particular. It should be noted for students, academia, and WWII military history buffs that "Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact on World War II: A Behavioral Neurologist's View" is also available in a digital book format $8.99).

Editorial Note: Tom Hutton, MD, PhD, (https://tomhuttonmd.com) is an internationally recognized clinical and research neurologist and educator. The past president of the Texas Neurological Society, Dr. Hutton served as professor and vice chairman of the Department of Medical and Surgical Neurology at the Texas Tech School of Medicine.

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