Crusading Warfare, 1097–1193

By R. C. Smail,

Book cover of Crusading Warfare, 1097–1193

Book description

This is a revised edition of R. C. Smail's classic account of the military achievements of the Crusaders in the context of a 'feudal society organized for war'. A new bibliographical introduction and an updated bibliography have been provided by Christopher Marshall, while the original plates section has been replaced…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Crusading Warfare, 1097–1193 as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

A classic. Originally published in 1956, it was one of the first retorts to the dominant strain of military history that emphasized decisive battle, as seen through the eyes of 19th-century theory. Instead, Smail advances the notion—now widely held—that medieval warfare deemphasized risky battles and instead utilized a range of effective operational approaches (raiding, ravaging, sieging, and skirmishing) in a coherent, positional fashion. Similarly in opposition to older approaches, Smail examines not only western warfare through the activities of crusader and crusader-state armies but also how Muslim forces were organized, sustained, and fought. While his sections on military organization, fortifications,…

From John's list on crusading warfare.

Want books like Crusading Warfare, 1097–1193?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Crusading Warfare, 1097–1193.

Browse books like Crusading Warfare, 1097–1193

Book cover of Victory in the East: A Military History of the First Crusade
Book cover of Logistics of Warfare in the Age of the Crusades
Book cover of The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A Military History, 1099-1187

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,460

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Crusades, the Middle Ages, and feudalism?

The Crusades 54 books
The Middle Ages 432 books
Feudalism 20 books