Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Oxford : Osceola, WI : Osprey ; [Distributed by] Osprey Direct USA, 2002.
Description
The very name El Cid sums up much of the special character of medieval Spanish warfare. It comes from the Arabic al sayyid, master or chieftain, and seems to have been given to Rodrigo de Vivar by his Muslim foes. But was it given in recognition of El Cid's victories against Islam in the 'Reconquista' – or because this Castilian nobleman was as content to serve beside the Muslims as to fight them? The story of the Christian conquest of the Iberian peninsula which gave rise to the legend of El Cid, is here examined by David Nicolle, who outlines the history, tactics, arms and armour of the period.
User reviews
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
Four hundred forty years is a lot to cover in 48 pages, eight of them plates. However, Dr. Nicolle struggles with the task, in the main, successfully. The Islamic states get reasonable coverage, and the Catholic powers get some too. The Catholic kingdoms had a good deal of mainstream European
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equipment, so a French backup book will fill gaps. The chronology of the conflicts is useful to the English reading audience. The castle plans are lacking but I am sure the publisher will get around to that. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
1988
Physical description
48 p.; 25 cm
ISBN
0850458404 / 9780850458404
Local notes
Men-at-Arms 200