The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Army (Oxford Illustrated Histories)

Book Overview

From the Napoleonic Wars to the battle of the Falklands, from the pike and musket to the Challenger tank, The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Army brings to life the colorful and far-reaching history of this long-lived institution.
Lavishly illustrated with more than two hundred and seventy black-and-white pictures, twenty-four color plates, and fourteen maps, this volume provides a wealth of historical detail as it takes readers on a lively journey through the annals of the British Army. Here are vivid descriptions of all the famous military campaigns and battles--from Agincourt and Crecy, to Trafalgar, Waterloo, and Yorktown Heights, to Dunkirk and D-Day--as well as insightful portraits of the great commanders, including Edward I, the Duke of Marlborough, Cromwell, the Duke of Wellington, and Field Marshall Montgomery. And the breadth of coverage is superb, ranging from the Army's medieval origins, to the days of empire, to the critical issues facing the contemporary army. This vividly written chronicle is further supplemented with chapters focusing on themes of special interest, such as the controversial and costly role of the British Army in Northern Ireland, the Army in India, the function of the Army in peacetime, and the philosophy of British military policy--all of which are examined from a range of political, economic, military perspectives. Military experts and military history buffs will be particularly interested in the twenty-one detailed special sections that highlight vital aspects of the Army, including tactics, weaponry, and major figures. Finally, the volume boasts a distinguished roster of contributors, boasting not only prominent military historians, but also former servicemen, who provide expert technical insight and vivid, eyewitness accounts of modern soldiering and warfare.
Comprehensive, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated, The Oxford History of the British Army will fascinate military history buffs as well as anyone seeking a broader understanding of British or modern world history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198691785
• ISBN13: 9780198691785
• Release Date: December 1994
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 510 Pages
• Weight: 3.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 1.5" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A Concise History of the British Army

This one volume history uses a series of essays by different authors to tell the history of the British Army. Each author has a somewhat different approach, no doubt reflecting his particular expertise, but the overall quality of writing is excellent This is not a battlefield history of the British Army. While some key battles are described, the focus of this history is on policy and strategy for resourcing and employing the British Army. There is associated discussion of politics internal and external to the Army as they relate to the formulation of policy and strategy. The chapters on the First and Second World Wars are particularly well written. Those readers closely following current U.S. policy and strategy in the War on Terrorism will find interesting parrallels in the role of the British Army in safeguarding the Empire through a series of low and medium intensity conflicts. Those interested in defense transformation will find some interesting perspectives in the British struggle to rationalize the role of the Army since the end of the Cold War.

Best one-volume history to date.

Drawing upon the scholarship of some of today's most distinguished military writers, this handsomely produced work recounts the evolution of the Army, in its social and political context, from the medieval period to the present day. Every major development and conflict is explained thoroughly and special subjects such as the Imjin battle are treated in 42 box features. The admirably comprehensive text in enhanced with many rare drawings, maps, photos, a generous selection of color plates, and more. Highly recommended for general readers and specialists alike.