Cavaliers: The Royalist Army at War 1642-1646

This important new book offers the first history of the Royalist armies and their role in the Civil War for over a quarter of a century. Divided into two sections, the first part of the book describes and analyzes the organization, recruitment, training, arms, equipment, tactics and performance of the Royalist armies and compares them to their Parliamentarian, or 'Roundhead', counterparts. The most notable and colourful figures among the King's officers are described, and re-assessed, and the reasons for the Royalists' ultimate failure and defeat are also examined.The second part of the book takes a close look at some of the engagements and incidents of the Civil War and examines the reality behind the legend by looking at actual cases in their proper contexts. The reputation of the Royalist soldiers is brought into perspective, with examples of bravery set against incidences of cowardice and desertion, and wisdom against incompetence.