Martin J Dougherty

Sitting on the edge of empires, for more than 2000 years before the birth of Christ the Biblical lands were fought over by rival peoples – Canaanites, Philistines, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. Forming a land bridge between Eurasia and Africa and controlling access to the eastern Mediterranean, the territory that today makes up much of the modern state of Israel has proved a tempting prize for a wide array of would-be conquerors. Battles of the Bible Illustrated Atlas introduces 20 key battles from the Biblical era. Beginning with the Israelites’ campaign against Ai (1407 BC) and finishing with the siege of Masada (73 AD), examples from every major campaign are featured. The book contains the major Hebrew leaders such as Saul and David, the invasion of the Assyrians and the enslavement of the Israelites by the Babylonians. Each battle includes a contextual introduction, a description of the action, and an analysis of the aftermath. A specially-commissioned map illustrating the dispositions and movement of forces helps the reader grasp the course of the battle. Authoritatively written and with more than 200 maps, artworks and photographs, Battles of the Bible Illustrated Atlas is an essential companion for anyone interested in Ancient military history.

Japanese Samurai were apex warriors, superlative fighters dedicated to their daimyo, or lord, and living according to the principles of bushido, an honour code that stressed selfless service, martial excellence, valor in battle and implacable determination. Often fighting on horseback and skilled archers, they developed a style of armour which, although changing over time, suited the dexterous combat techniques developed in Japan in the medieval and early modern eras. Samurai Armour provides a vivid and informative guide to the many types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Learn about the classic o-Yoroi (?great armour?), designed for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback; understand the development of the haramake (?belly wrap?) armour, worn by the ashigaru men-at-arms ? a new class of foot soldier that emerged during the Warring States period (1467?1615); explore the many types of classic Do-maru, a heavy box-like armour constructed from flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly decorative kabutos (helmets), haidate (thigh guards) which were tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental mempo (face masks) designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his enemies. With 180 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour, Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers. Expert text provides a detailed history of samurai armour and its development Includes 160 superb illustrations and photographs Accessibly presented for the newcomers to the topic

? 150 striking colour photographs ? Expert text explains the fascinating stories behind each castle ? Wide selection of entries from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man Some of the most romantic castles in the world are found in the Celtic nations on the northwestern fringes of Europe. These strongholds may now largely be ruined, but in their dilapidation they have gained an air of mystery and beauty. The people they once protected are gone, the borders they guarded have dissolved, the fragile communities and wooden buildings that built up around them have been dismantled. Only the castles, centuries on, remain ? proof of how robustly they were constructed in the first place. From the tip of southern Ireland to northern Scotland, from castles maintained over the centuries to ones that are now mere ruins, Castles of Scotland, Ireland & Wales celebrates the stories behind more than 100 strongholds. In these we find tales of religious dissent, of English Parliamentarians attacking Irish Catholic refuges, of warring Scottish clans, of the Welsh fighting for independence. And in the buildings we find such curiosities as Britain?s only triangular castle or the hiding place for the Scottish crown jewels. With 150 outstanding colour photographs, Castles of Scotland, Ireland & Wales is a brilliant pictorial examination of worlds gone by.

“From the fury of the Northmen, good Lord deliver us.” – Anonymous monk, Noirmoutier, France, 9th century AD Beginning in 789AD, the Vikings raided monasteries, sacked cities and invaded western Europe. They looted and enslaved their enemies. But that is only part of their story. In long boats they discovered Iceland and America (both by accident) and also sailed up the Seine to Paris (which they sacked). They settled from Newfoundland to Russia, founded Dublin and fought battles as far afield as the Caspian Sea. A thousand years after their demise, traces of the Vikings remain all the way from North America to Istanbul. They traded walruses with Inuits, brought Russian furs to Western Europe and took European slaves to Constantinople. Their graves contain Arab silver, Byzantine silks and Frankish weapons. In this accessible book, the whole narrative of the Viking story is examined from the eighth to the eleventh centuries. Arranged thematically, Vikings: A History of the Norse People examines the Norsemen from exploration to religion to trade to settlement to weaponry to kingdoms to their demise and legacy. But today questions remain: what prompted the first Viking raids? What stopped their expansion? And how much of the tales of murder, rape and pillage is myth? Illustrated with more than 200 photographs, maps and artworks, Vikings: A History of the Norse People is an expertly written account of a people who have long captured the popular imagination.