Medieval Russian Armies 1250-1450

"Orientalized" Between the 13th and 15th centuries Russia developed along different lines from the rest of Europe. The Mongol conquest had a profound influence on arms, armour, organization, recruitment and tactics. Russian forces were pitted against late Mongol armies strongly influenced by contact with the Turkish-Islamic world. During the closing decades of this period the rising power of Muscovy, the most "Mongolized" of the Russian principalities, turned the tables and began to dominate the remaining Mongol (Tartar) Khanates. This book reveals how the role of firearms, particularly siege artillery, and the development of distinctive Russian forms of wooden fortifications, often in conjunction with the use of gunpowder artillary, make this period in Russia's military history unique.

About the Author
Dr David Nicolle was born in 1944 and worked for the BBC before returning to university, obtaining his PhD in Edinburgh. He subsequently taught at Yarmouk University in Jordan, since which he has contributed a substantial number of titles. He is a specialist in medieval arms and armour and has written several hardback books as well as numerous articles for specialist journals. He has also presented papers at many international conferences. Angus McBride, one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, has contributed to more than 70 titles over the past 25 years. After national service in the Royal Fusiliers, 1949-51, in 1953 Angus emigrated to South Africa. He returned to the UK in 1961, and has worked freelance ever since. With his wife and two children he returned to South Africa in 1976, since when he has lived and worked in Cape Town.