Product Description

Featuring the key developments in military technology, from the discoveries of bronze and iron, to the introduction of gunpowder and the creation of weapons of mass destruction, Battleprovides a dramatic overview of the conduct of warfare through time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83586 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 360 pages

About the Author
R.G. Grant is a history writer who has published more than 20 books, including titles on the Revolutionary War, World War I and II, and the Vietnam War. He's also the author of DK's Flight: 100 Years of Aviation.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Survey and Gateway
"Battle" can be described as a coffee table type book (although you may want to place it elsewhere when considering the subject matter) that is best suited for browsing. It surveys warfare throughout history and is quite sweeping and ambitious in scope. Generally, "Battle" is divided into eras/geographical areas and provides a briefing on the major powers and empires (and the rise and falls), strategic situations, weapons, tactics, and battles. The material is put together very well and contains many informative and striking pictures. In addition, it illuminates many periods and empires in areas such as India and China that are obscure to Westerners. Although probably not intended by the author, the reader is likely to grasp that any empire is fleeting when viewed in the context of history. Where "Battle" is lacking is in the descriptions of the individual battles. Generally that information is very brief and vague and those wanting details should look at other, more specific books. This is not surprising considering the immense scope. However, "Battle" is excellent for what it is and provides a gateway into the study of the many eras and participants of military history.

Good, If Sketchy, Overview of World Military History
This is another handsome book from DK.

The visuals are a combination of maps, timelines, weapons, uniforms, and portraits of military leaders. The text is mostly sketches of significant battles. Battles is a term loosely used in this book. Some of the sketches are actually of campaigns or entire wars. The organization is broadly chronological, with brief material on how warfare changed from era to another, and the battles grouped together by geographical areas. A latter section also covers some terrorist actions.

Grant starts with the war between the Sumerian city states of Lagash and Umma in about 2450 BC and ends not too far away in space -- the ongoing war in Iraq.

The book has the expected shortcomings. There is a very brief section on what we know about Pre-Columbian warfare in the Americans. There is no mention of sub-Saharan wars not involving Europeans.

There are some surprising typographical errors in dates and map scales but not enough to avoid the book.

Together with George C. Kohn's _Dictionary of Wars_, this book would serve as a good, quick reference on world military history or a memory refresher. Or you can simply use it to whet your appetite for more reading on subjects generally not taught in Western schools like the wars on the Indian sub-continent or between Korea and Japan.

Battle
This book is simply outstanding! Our 8 year old is completely fascinated with the history of warfare. He loves to research military attire and weapons used in the various battles. This book is a visual journey through all of the battles worldwide over time. It shows the progression of advancing technology and strategies used. It brings the reader one step closer to understanding the essence of each battle using both visuals and well written explainations. It is a must-have for anyone deeply interested in the evolution of war.