Great sieges changed the course of medieval history, yet siege warfare, the dominant military activity of the period, is rarely given the attention it deservers. Geoffrey Hindley's highly readable new account of this vital but neglected aspect of medieval warfare looks at the subject from every angle. He traces the development of fortifications and siege equipment, explores the psychological dimension and considers the parts played by women and camp followers. He also shows siege tactics in action through a selection of vivid case studies of famous sieges taken from the history of medieval Europe and the Holy Land. His stimulating and accessible study will be fascinating reading for medieval specialists and for anyone who is interested in the history of warfare. AUTHOR: Geoffrey Hindley is a distinguished medieval historian who has written widely on many aspects of the period. He has made a special study of medieval warfare and of sieges in particular. His previous books include Castles of Europe, Medieval Warfare, Saladin: A Biography, England in the Age of Caxton, Under Siege, Tourists, Travellers and Pilgrims, The Book of Magna Carta and The Crusades. His most recent publication is A Brief History of the Anglo-Saxons. SELLING POINTS: Vivid reconstruction of siege warfare in the medieval world. Detailed descriptions of the weapons and tactics used. Explores the psychological dimension of siege warfare. Case studies of famous sieges from medieval Europe and the Holy Land. Emphasizes the primary importance of the siege in medieval warfare. 50 illustrations
