Product Description

The army of Charlemagne and his successors enabled the western Franks to recreate what contemporaries regarded as a 'reborn' western Roman empire. Frankish society was well prepared for war, with outstanding communications drawing together the disparate regions of a large empire. The role of mounted troops, the essential striking force of the Frankish army, is explored here. Alongside it was the impact that new technology, such as stirrups, had on warfare in this period. Illuminating a much-neglected area of history, this book shows how the role of cavalry grew in prestige, as the Carolingian armoured horseman gave way to the knight of the early 10th century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67320 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-20
• Released on: 2005-03-20
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

From the Publisher
Insights into the real lives of history's fighting men, packed with full colour illustrations, highly detailed cutaways, exploded artwork of weaponry and armour, and action-packed battle scenes.

About the Author
Born in 1944, David Nicolle worked in the BBC’s Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years.

Customer Reviews

Carolingian Cavalyrman
This Osprey Warrior book is an excellent source on the military elite of the Frankish Carolingian Empire, a precursor to medieval France. Inheriting the martial and equine traditions of both the Roman Empire and their barbarian ancestors, these Frankish knights were heavily armed and armored, and went up against a diverse number of foes, including the Vikings, the Avars, and, in classic barbarian/European tradition, each other.

The color plates are by Wayne Reynolds, a relatively new Osprey artist. They are not as detailed as Angus McBride's works, but they suit their purpose and are visually very interesting (I find it hard to criticize any professional artist when I am totally lacking in artistic talent or professional knowledge of illustration).

Five stars for this fine Osprey book. It would be of special interest to those who have read or plan to read the 'Song of Roland'; these are the real men behind that ballad.