Bloody British History – Liverpool By Ken Pye The History Press ISBN 978-0-7524-6551-7 This series, which takes a look at the more gruesome and lurid history of key towns and cities, continues with Liverpool. Body snatchers from 1826, the Viking invasion of the 9th century, the Black Death which hit the area at various points between the 14th and 17th centuries, and many more intriguing accounts are included in this book. The Great Chevauchée – John of Gaunt’s Raid on France 1373 Raid 20 By David Nicolle, Illustrated by Peter Dennis Osprey Publishing ISBN 9781849082471 Review by Jonathan Davies In the language of the young, John of Gaunt was a “FAIL”. The Chevauchée that lasted from mid-Summer to Christ- mas Eve turned an impressive raiding force of men-at-arms and horsed archers into a footsore rabble that had lost a third of their number in petty sieges, pettier skirmishes and to disease and desertion. The French had not destroyed Gaunt’s villainous columns and yet again it was the poor peasantry that suffered most from the incessant warfare that led to starvation and rebellion. David Nicolle’s account deals with the confused planning and preparation as well as the poor per- formance of this attempt to restore Eng- land’s fortunes in France. In contrast to Edward III and the Black Prince, John of Gaunt lacked both military genius or political sagacity. In the end he led his forces on a wild goose chase that gained him neither profit nor honour. The text is exhaustive and painstakingly researched, the maps, chronologies and photographs are enormously helpful and beautifully produced. Peter Dennis has produced magnificent artwork that puts you right into the action and makes my own fingers tighten on the bowstring as I turn to loose an arrow through the mail aventail and into the throat of the approaching French man-at-arms. It’s that good! £11.99 B OOKS Bloody British History – Derby By Paul Sullivan The History Press ISBN 978-0-7524-6309-4 Continuing the Bloody British History series, this book takes a look at the lesser known and often less salubrious historical tales of Derby. Mercia’s ‘Killer Queen’ Ethelfleda is exam- ined, as is Derby’s involvement in the Civil War, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s march to Derby during the Jacobite rebellion and more. Napoleon and the Art of Diplomacy William Nester Savas Beattie (2012) ISBN 978-1-61121-092-7 Nester explores Napoleon’s diplomatic ex- ploits, an aspect of the significant leader often relegated in favour of his military conquests. This book entwines military campaigns with ambassadorial negotiations, allowing the reader to better understand the broader con- text of this tumultuous period and to uncover a side to the figure not often explored. 72 SKIRMISH - LIVING HISTORY £9.99 £9.99 £34.95 LIVING HISTORY Reviews, Music 98.indd 2 19/10/12 18:01:09

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Page 1: LIVING HISTORY BOOKS - Savas Beatie, LLC - Publisher of … · · 2012-11-01Review by Jonathan Davies ... Continuing the Bloody British History series, this book takes a look at

Bloody British History – LiverpoolBy Ken PyeThe History PressISBN 978-0-7524-6551-7

This series, which takes a look at the more gruesome and lurid history of key towns and cities, continues with Liverpool. Body snatchers from 1826, the Viking invasion of the 9th century, the Black Death which hit the area at various points between the 14th and 17th centuries, and many more intriguing accounts are included in this book.

The Great Chevauchée – John of Gaunt’s Raid on France 1373Raid 20 By David Nicolle, Illustrated by Peter Dennis Osprey PublishingISBN 9781849082471Review by Jonathan Davies

In the language of the young, John of Gaunt was a “FAIL”. The Chevauchée that lasted from mid-Summer to Christ-mas Eve turned an impressive raiding force of men-at-arms and horsed archers into a footsore rabble that had lost a third of their number in petty sieges, pettier skirmishes and to disease and desertion. The French had not destroyed Gaunt’s villainous columns and yet again it was the poor peasantry that suffered most from the incessant warfare that led to

starvation and rebellion. David Nicolle’s account deals with the confused planning and preparation as well as the poor per-formance of this attempt to restore Eng-land’s fortunes in France. In contrast to Edward III and the Black Prince, John of Gaunt lacked both military genius or political sagacity. In the end he led his forces on a wild goose chase that gained him neither profi t nor honour. The text is exhaustive and painstakingly researched, the maps, chronologies and photographs are enormously helpful and beautifully produced. Peter Dennis has produced magnifi cent artwork that puts you right into the action and makes my own fi ngers tighten on the bowstring as I turn to loose an arrow through the mail aventail and into the throat of the approaching French man-at-arms. It’s that good!

£11.99

BOOKS

Bloody British History – DerbyBy Paul SullivanThe History PressISBN 978-0-7524-6309-4

Continuing the Bloody British History series, this book takes a look at the lesser known and often less salubrious historical tales of Derby. Mercia’s ‘Killer Queen’ Ethelfl eda is exam-ined, as is Derby’s involvement in the Civil War, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s march to Derby during the Jacobite rebellion and more.

Napoleon and the Art of Diplomacy William Nester Savas Beattie (2012) ISBN 978-1-61121-092-7

Nester explores Napoleon’s diplomatic ex-ploits, an aspect of the signifi cant leader often relegated in favour of his military conquests. This book entwines military campaigns with ambassadorial negotiations, allowing the reader to better understand the broader con-text of this tumultuous period and to uncover a side to the fi gure not often explored.

72 SKIRMISH - LIVING HISTORY

£9.99 £9.99 £34.95

LIVING HISTORY

Reviews, Music 98.indd 2 19/10/12 18:01:09