Medieval Warfare: A Reader (Readings in Medieval Civilizations and Cultures)

Kelly Robert DeVries

Medieval Warfare: A Reader examines how armed conflict was experienced in the Middle Ages both on the field of battle and at home. This comprehensive collection of primary source materials - some translated here for the first time - traces over one thousand years of military developments including the fall of Rome, the fight for Jerusalem, the building of castles and other fortifications, the rise of gunpowder, and the negotiation of treaties. Curated by two of the leading experts in medieval military history, the readings in Medieval Warfare tell a story of terrors and tragedies, triumphs and technologies in the Middle Ages.

Chronicles, poems, songs, and letters provide a comprehensive look not just at the waging of war but at the impact war had on society. By reclaiming the voices of victims and veterans that have previously been ignored, the editors stake out a powerful new perspective on the long history of military conflict and suffering.