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Arms & Armor Norman Knight 950-1204 AD by Christopher Gravet $12.95 / Osprey Norman Knight, the first book in Osprey's Warrior Series, examines the weapons, armor, and tactics of the soldiers that crushed the Saxons on the field of Hastings, thus dramatically changing the course of English history. Anyone familiar with Osprey books knows they are replete with beautiful, full-color plates depicting weapons, equipment, and warriors in action; b/w photographs of historical art and artifacts; and comprehensive and illuminating text. Norman Knight is no exception. This 64-page book traces the evolution of the Norman soldier's arms and tactics, from the 10th century when they differed little from their Viking forebears, through the Norman Conquest and the Norman adventurers who expeditioned in Italy and Sicily. A useful chronology and glossary round out the concise yet comprehensive text. Predictably, its more than 50 b/w photos include several of the Bayeux Tapestry, but many more of other medieval renderings, castles, coins, gaming pieces, armor, and other artifacts. As with other Osprey books, the centerpiece of Norman Knight are the 12 color plates, each fully annotated (keys to the plates are also included in French and German). Especially useful are those depicting the construction of shields, armor, and pattern-welded swords. Anyone interested either in military history or the Middle Ages as a whole will likely be pleased by this attractive, informative book. —Capt. Mikal Warchola of Carpathia

Click here to order: Norman Knight, 950-1204 A. D.     To order Renaissance Magazine, click here. To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.