Slitherine

I thought I'd post a quick note for anyone interested in doing some background reading for the Italian Wars. An excellent early study of the period, F. L. Taylor's The art of war in Italy, 1494-1529 is available as a free eBook here:

https://archive.org/stream/artofwarinit ... 3/mode/2up

It's particularly useful to read this alongside Sir Charles Oman's A History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century, as it provides an alternative perspective, for example on Machiavelli, and acts as a corrective to Oman's contemptuously dismissive view of the condottieri tradition in Italy. Where Oman provides a very readable narrative, Taylor focuses instead on analysing the development of each arm in turn (infantry, cavalry, artillery) during the wars, and on the tactics of the combatants.

Also useful as background reading is Michael Mallett's Mercenaries and their Masters, which charts the rise and decline of the condottieri in 15th century Italy:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mercenaries-The ... el+Mallett

A couple of useful links, thanks.

Michael Mallett and Christine Shaw's recent "The Italian Wars, 1494-1559" is also worth a look, if a bit expensive perhaps.

Despite his faults, Oman is still good value and a useful resource. 30-odd years ago he'd been out of print for ages and it was all but impossible to find a copy outside the university library system. Yes, his prejudices show in all kinds of ways, but as an introduction to the period he's still both useful and readable.

Nowadays there's much more information about both in print and online fortunately.

TimW wrote:A couple of useful links, thanks.

Michael Mallett and Christine Shaw's recent "The Italian Wars, 1494-1559" is also worth a look, if a bit expensive perhaps.

Despite his faults, Oman is still good value and a useful resource. 30-odd years ago he'd been out of print for ages and it was all but impossible to find a copy outside the university library system. Yes, his prejudices show in all kinds of ways, but as an introduction to the period he's still both useful and readable.

Nowadays there's much more information about both in print and online fortunately.

I must admit that it was Oman's book that got me into the period many years ago, and I still enjoy reading it. He manages to turn what could have been quite a dry book into something that's an absolute pleasure to read - a book you can immerse yourself in.
And thanks for flagging up the Mallett/Shaw book, which I didn't know about - I'd better start saving up!!!