Fields of Battle: Terrain in Military History

by Peter Doyle (Editor)

This is the first book of its kind to attempt a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding how terrain has affected the outcome of warfare in history. Taking a broad sweep from mediaeval times, the English Civil Wars of the 17th century and the Napoleonic Wars of the 18th century, its primary focus is on the major battles and engagements of the century of warfare from 1850 to 1950. Examining the American Civil War, the Anglo-Zulu War, the Boer War, the Great War of 1914-1918, the Spanish Civil War and finally the Second World War, it takes a total terrain view. All aspects of terrain, including the cultural and spiritual significance of battle, the physical geography and geology of the battlefield and the growing discipline of battlefield archaeology are covered.

Audience: Intended as a text for the military historian, historical and physical geographer, practitioner of GIS or archaeologist, this volume also provides important case histories for advanced undergraduates, researchers and enthusiasts wishing to know more about the conduct of battle.

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002