Armour & weapons,

by Charles ffoulkes

Writers on Arms and Armour have approached the subject from many points of view, but, as all students know, their works are generally so large in size, or, what is more essential, in price, that for many who do not have access to large libraries it is impossible to learn much that is required. Then again, the papers of the Proceedings of the various Antiquarian and Archaeological Societies are in all cases very scattered and, in some cases, unattainable, owing to their being out of print. Many writers on the subject have confined themselves to documentary evidence, while others have only written about such examples as have been spared by time and rust. These latter, it may be noted, are, in almost all cases, such as the brasses and effigies in our churches, quite exceptional, representing as they do the defences and weapons of the richer classes. What the ordinary man wore, how he wore it, and how it was made are all questions worthy of attention. The works of our greatest romancers have so little regarded the development of armour, and even to-day such anachronisms are seen in pictures and books, that though many comfortable and picturesque notions may be disturbed by the actual truth, yet the actual truth will be found to be no less interesting than fiction. A handy work, not excessive in size[Pg 6] or price, and giving really correct information, seems therefore to be needed and should be popular. Such a work is this which Mr. ffoulkes has undertaken, and if we recognize what an immense amount of information has to be condensed within the limits of a handbook, I think we shall fully appreciate his endeavours to give an appetite for larger feasts.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1909

About the author

Charles John ffoulkes (1868–1947) was a British historian, and curator of the Royal Armouries at London.

Reviews

[Lami Daja · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those writing historical fiction or heroic fiction needing armour and swords in the European mode, this is all you need for your basis.

For anyone this is an excellent introduction to the study of European armour and weapons. It was originally purposed as, not a specialist's text covering Everything (which nothing ever does), but a home reference of moderate price that would be accurate as well as readable Many full-colour books sold in the stores today are full of garbage arms myths, including "Where did they get that?" names for things that will only foul you up when you get deeper in. So even if you think you know a lot, if you haven't read this--read it. It may reveal holes in your knowledge by filling them, and spotlight some of the stuff in your mind that's drawing flies.

Don't worry about the age. Charles ffoulkes is one of the all-time greats on the subject. Look at his other books. He did the inventory of the armoury of the Tower of London. He wrote a perfectly readable book on the armourers of Europe and their methods of craft and reasons for their engineering choices. You really can't talk about armour until you have read his *The Armourer and His Craft* (available here at the Archive).

Much of what he published on armour and its construction and how to wear it has been missed by many so-called experts of today on the subject: I have no idea why, but some people just can't be bothered to imagine that a book that is "old" might still be valuable. Frankly, I think many of them, having read their dozen glossy books, don't want any ideas that will muss up their settled opinions.

For most people, this will be all the reference they ever need. If armour and weapons is not your sole or primary interest, if you are interested in other aspects of the Middle Ages, even if it is milhist, this gives you all you really need on identifying equipment. One does not have to get into breaking down hilt design types, especially when they seem to signify nothing except, perhaps, area of origin or personal taste.

[มนตรี ใจจันทร์ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good books that have information of medieval Armor and weapons.