"Anyone read/seen "Crusader Warfare" by David Nicolle?" Topic

These two books seem interesting but it would be interesting to hear any review or comment before buying.

I checked various sources also trying to find input from others. From what I gathered, many are hesitant to pick up the book due to Nicolle's stigma of not producing any "new" information.

Ironically there isn't even a review on De Re Militari book reviews.

I have the book on order through the local book store (with no obligation to purchase) so I can at least review it.

C

Thanks for your response. I share your fear of buying "old stuff" so it would be interesting to know if there is some fresh material in these two books. Look forward to hear about your findings. Cheers/B

Will do. I was told it wouldn't be in until late this week or early next week.

C

I picked up Vol. 1 today. Although I haven't read it yet I'll give a brief statement.

This volume covers Europe and Byzantium but does not cover the Arabs or Turks (supposably vol. 2 will do so). The bibliography is quite exensive with several French, Arab, Latin, and Greek sources.

There is a nice little section with a list of different terms in various languages; for example kar wa far (which you don't see very often). I also noticed a lot of 'correct' or 'actual' terms are used throughout the book, which I like.

I found a paragraph on the Turkopoles and sadly Nicolle still has the old stigma they are former Muslim troops. There seemed to be no additional research or acknowledgement from those who have conducted their own research and proposed alternative explanations.

He does acknowledge the mixing of troops; religious order milites with confrere milite (those who have not taken the vow of the order yet in their service) as well as sergeants.

I was not able to assertain whether or not this book will bring "fresh" material, however, it seems to adress some issues with less ambiguity than past materials.

I suppose the same question can be made about the second volume. I ordered this one, but may have to wait to purchase it. Nonetheless, I'll check it out when it arrives.

Chris