Broadview Press, 1992

Though scathingly panned in SLINGSHOT last year, Mr. DeVries's book does contain a wealth of information useful to the medieval wargamer, both in terms of research for armies, weapons and such as well as the study of siege warfare. I'll just run through a few of Me. DeVries' observations pertaining to weapons.

Carolingian influenced swords were used by Normans, Saxons and Vikings and through the Reconquista/1st Crusade period they gradually tapered (2-1-24). "From 800-1350 swords did not differ in construction from the Carolingian archetype" (24).

The mace had replaced the club in battle by the 12th century (although the Bayeau Tapestry shows William wielding a club. and it is dated from approximately 1085 or so, this bit of information might be over generalized). The mace, made of steel, developed as the "secondary weapon of the tournament melee"(26).

Mr. DeVries also goes on to say that there is little evidence for sling use in Western Europe. noting references are mostly to David and Goliath or Muslim use. The only references to staff slings are by naval troops (33).

Mr. DeVries goes on to note that the Aachen Capitulary of 802-3 specified that the bow would henceforth be the main weapon of Frankish foot troops and by 806, of cavalry as well (35-36). The early Franks used 2-meter long "D" shaped longbows and added Turkish bows used by Avars/Slavs mainly due to wars with them, "both bows were probably common in the Carolingian army" (36) ... hmmm.

By the 12th century, bow use declined in Western Europe and were "discarded" in favor of the crossbow (36).

Use of the horseshoe developed in the last part of the 9th century enabling mounted troops to fight "at any time of year and over any type of terrain" (46) ... say what?

Added to the stirrup was the high pommel/cantel saddle, thus enabling the knights to wield their spear underarm and deliver a devastating charge.

The kite shield predominated until the 13th century (67), and the caprison/barded quilted or leather horse blanket became widely used in the late 12th to early 13th centuries.

Though of arguable validity, the book does raise several interesting ideas re: warfare in this period. I would definitely recommend it., if for no other reason than to spur on further research to either support or disprove some of the statements made by Mr. DeVries. It is available in paperback and should be easy to locate through Border's, Dalton's or any of the larger book stores through special order.