The Military Revolution: Military Innovation and the Rise of the West, 1500-1800

Description

Well before the Industrial Revolution, Europe developed the superior military potential and expertise that enabled her to dominate the world for the next two centuries. In this attractively illustrated and updated edition, Geoffrey Parker discusses the major changes in the military practice of the West during this time period--establishment of bigger armies, creation of superior warships, the role of firearms--and argues that these major changes amounted to a "military revolution" that gave Westerners a decided advantage over people of other continents. A new chapter addresses the controversies engendered by the previous edition.

From reviews of the first edition (1988): '... a work of superb scholarship ... a brisk and engaging account that illuminates virtually every aspect of warfare in this watershed period.' Gordon A. Craig, New York Review of Books '... a succinct but dense study with the rare distinction of being packed with information, rich in argument, and yet well organized and clear.' John Childs, The Times Literary Supplement '... a major work of military historiography which will influence the outlook of Professor Parker's fellow practitioners for years to come.' John Keegan, The Daily Telegraph 'Parker's Military Revolution has produced the most sophisticated debate in the entire field of military history.' John Lynn