From simple palisades to sophisticated fortress-palaces, this book explains how castles evolved to meet the demands of feudal society and improving technology. While centred on British castles, the book constantly sets them in a wider background and makes stimulating comparisons with developments in other countries to show the influences that affected castle builders. Conrad Cairns pays special attention to smaller castles, including the tower-houses of Scotland and Ireland and shows how the castle was also a residential construction. He describes how the changes which brought the Middle Ages to a close made the castle obsolete and how the name was inherited by forts and country houses.

Medieval Castles (Cambridge Introduction to World History)

Children's Books

Cairns, Conrad

History

Cambridge University Press

A history and discussion of those fortified private dwellings, known as castles, which were built in Europe only during the Middle Ages, with particular attention to those of Britain.

Medieval Castles (Cambridge Topic Books)

Lerner Pub Group

In the 19th century the eastern Savannah (now divided between the countries of Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Cameroon) was one of the most neglected parts of the African continent, and yet at the same time one of the most culturally sophisticated. During this period warfare among the peoples of the eastern Savannah, and in particular the three most significant native states – the Sokoto Caliphate, the ancient kingdom of Bornu, and the somewhat less ancient state of Bagirmi – was largely dominated by cavalry, and a significant proportion of these mounted troops were armored. This groundbreaking book covers the period that began with the Sokoto jihad in 1804 and ended with the extinction of the Savannah states by the European colonial powers at the turn of the 20th century. In addition to providing a brief outline history of the three states, it examines in detail the arms, equipment and methods of warfare used by their armored ‘knights’ and infantry, and includes in addition sections on their horses, artillery, flags, fortifications, and clothing. It is illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs and engravings.

African Knights: The Armies of Sokoto, Bornu and Bagirmi in the 19th Century

Africa

Foundry

You could sum up the Italian Wars of 1494 - 1559 in one word and that is 'colorful'. This guide to wargaming the period helps you bring that spectacle to the table top. Everything you need is here to begin recreating battles in this exciting time in history.\nThe period saw the end of the dominance over battlefield of the heavily armored mounted men at arms and the use of huge seemingly unstoppable pike blocks containing thousands of soldiers. Foot soldiers fought with pike, polearm, sword and on occasion the fearsome zweihander. Ranged warfare saw the crossbow fall out of favor and the development and increased use of gunpowder. No single arm was dominant, careful use of the combined qualities of the various troop types was therefore essential for victory.\nDress for the soldiers of the time was very flamboyant consisting of bright clothing of many different colors and hats adorned with large feather plumes. Huge flags, in great numbers flew above each of the units which made a spectacular sight on the battlefield. When you transfer this to the tabletop these characteristics produce one of the most visual and instantly recognizable periods of history in the wargaming hobby.\nThe book begins with a brief historical overview of the Italian Wars before moving on to look at the different troop types in the conflict and how they are represented on the table. The author, with a little help from some friends will then guide you through building and painting your forces. Then with the troops mustered its time to get them on the table and roll some dice, included is a guide to refighting the first battle of the wars Fornovo along with some fictitious scenarios.\nSo why not put on a pair of stripey trousers, a flouncy shirt and a feathered hat and start gaming The Italian Wars today?

All is Lost, Save Honour: A Wargames Guide to the Italian Wars (Helion Wargames)

Ashton, Colin

Military

Helion and Company

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Books by Cairns, Conrad