Crusading Warfare, 1097-1193

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, first edition, 1956. Cloth, 8vo,. xi, 272, 8 plates, 3 maps, 6 plans. From the blurb: "This book is the first to attempt in such detail the appreciation of a feudal society organized for war, and to record the abilities shown by the knights and their leaders in military operations. Dr Smail writes on these topics: Historians of Crusading warfare; Warfare and policy in Latin Syria; Franks, Armenians and Syrians; The Muslim armies; The Latin armies; The Latin field army in action; The Crusaders' castles. It is not military history in the narrow sense; Dr Smail shows that 'the study of warfare and that of political and social organization illuminate and complete each other'. Looking at the political and social institutions of the crusaders' states in connexion with their warfare, he adds to our knowledge of Frankish society. The long last chapter on the crusaders' castles will have a particularly wide appeal. It is illustrated by plans of Kerak in Moab, Beaufort, Subeibe, Crac des Chevaliers, Belvoir and Sahyun, and by many fine photographs of them and also of Safita and Jubail. Good in used and chipped dustwrapper, with a clipping of a review from the Times Literary Supplement laid in.