Condottiere 1300-1500: Infamous medieval mercenaries

Description

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.

Dr David Murphy is a graduate of University College, Dublin and Trinity College, Dublin. He is currently a lecturer in military history and strategic studies at Maynooth University in Ireland. He has also lectured abroad at various institutions including the Dutch Military Academy, Breda, West Point Military Academy and the US Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth. David is a member of the Royal United Services Institute, and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Graham Turner is a leading historical artist who, over the past two decades, has illustrated over 60 books for Osprey, covering many diverse eras of military history including the medieval period for which he is best known. He is also a full member of the Guild of Aviation Artists and his acclaimed aviation paintings have won several awards at their prestigious London exhibition. Graham lives and works in Buckinghamshire.

"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)