Phyllis G. Jestice

A Idade Média marcou um momento de transformação considerado radical no mundo das armas, táticas e campanhas militares. Das invasões vikings do século VIII até a queda de Constantinopla em 1453, História das Guerras e Batalhas Medievais descreve os padrões sofisticados da guerra durante oito séculos de história europeia. A obra explora eventos importantes como o ataque anfíbio dos cruzados a Constantinopla, em 1204, as cargas maciças das cavalarias mongóis e húngaras em Leignitz, em 1241, e a evolução do arco longo em Crécy, em 1346. O leitor pode descobrir a importância da infantaria, dos arqueiros, da cavalaria e da pólvora e conhecer os méritos de diferentes líderes militares medievais. Tudo inserido em um contexto que procura ser mais amplo, com uma cronologia ao pé de cada página que liga eventos na Europa a outros que aconteciam em outras regiões.… (mere)

CotW, written by Phyllis G. Jestice, is a visual travel among castles. From the oldest, built to withstand actual attacks, to the modern and more decorative ones, Jestice put together an informative book, filled with pictures and cultural tidbits. It might be a niche topic, but it sure is interesting. Built atop of hills, surrounded by moats, sometimes only reachable by boat, in the general imaginary they’re a stronghold; visiting them, even by proxy, feels like taking a step in the past.

[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]… (mere)

Queens by Phyllis G Jestice is a wonderful look at women rulers throughout history.

While having a wealth of images this is definitely a history book first and a photo book second. The writing is engaging and touches on most of the female rulers both famous and lesser known. I am particularly pleased with the level of detail here, stopping well short of being academic but being far more detailed than many books for a wide readership.

I would recommend this to anyone wanting to know more about queens and anyone with an interest in rulers in general. Many of these women had obstacles that their male counterparts never had to deal with, so this account will round out the history of rulers for those who may have mostly studied traditional history books. This is an attractive volume so those with an interest in the subject and who want a nice book for display will be pleased.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mere)