Medieval Sieges & Siegecraft

October 1, 2009
For those interested in a fuller understanding of medieval warfare, covering the years 500 to 1500 C.E., this book should be square one. The siege was the basis of battle then, and British historian Hindley covers the subject from the development of the castle as strongpoint to the evolution of fortified towns and cities; logistics and supply; the machinery and weapons of war; and the parts women and camp followers played in battles, some taking a very active role in combat. All of this discussion is anchored in the author's depictions of the famous sieges of the period, as well as of the First through the Fifth Crusades. Broken down into digestible sections (e.g., "Machines of War" is divided into "Crossbow" and "Catapult"), the extremely readable results are recommended.

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