by Graham Turner (Illustrator), David Murphy (Author), David Murphy (Author), Graham Turner (Illustrator)
Originally contracted by wealthy Italian city states to protect their assets during a time of ceaseless warring, many condottieri of the Italian peninsula became famous for their wealth, venality and amorality during the 14th and 15th centuries. Some even came to rule cities themselves. Lavishly illustrated with contemporary depictions and original artwork, this title examines the complex military organization, recruitment, training and weaponry of the Condottieri. With insight into their origins and motivations, the author, Dr David Murphy, brings together the social, political and military history of these powerful and unscrupulous men who managed to influence Italian society and warfare for over two centuries.
Format: Illustrated
Pages: 64
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Published: 04 Jul 2007
ISBN 10: 1846030773
ISBN 13: 9781846030772
The author does a superlative job of telling the story of these men and the somewhat unusual life they led, for these mercenary armies were not common elsewhere in Europe at the time... Overall a book that covers a lesser known, but still important part of Western history and one that I'm sure you will enjoy reading. --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (August 2007)
David Murphy's Condottiere 1300-1500 - Infamous Medieval Mercenaries surveys those early fighting men who were conscripted by wealthy Italian city states to protect assets during war, providing a blend of military and political history. --The Bookwatch (December 2007)