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Battles Map by Map
Explore the world's most famous battles by their geography as you uncover the most ancient, medieval and modern combats in history.If you're interested in finding out more about the biggest battles fought throughout the ages, then this war book is perfect for you. Battles Map by Map puts you in the seat of famous generals and commanders such as Rameses II, Napoleon, and Alexander the Great who expertly planned their attacks by studying the plains on which they would take place. So what are you waiting for? Journey back in time to learn more about wars such as the Battle of Alesia, Napoleonic Wars, and World War II and follow the geography of these epic battles in this brilliant book on the history of the world.Journey into past like never before as you - 80 easy-to-follow maps showcasing the most famous battles in history- Timelines that showcase battles in chronological order, ideal for visual learners- Informative easy-to-read text explains the events of the battles- Features provide additional contextual information on key technologies, leaders, armies, and moreBursting with striking illustrations and full of fascinating detail, this history book is the ultimate gift for map lovers, military history enthusiasts, and armchair generals everywhere. Battles Map by Map takes you right to the heart of the action, where you can discover the profiles of famous commanders and military leaders and reveal the impact of groundbreaking weapons and battlefield innovations. Additionally, historic maps, paintings, photographs, and objects take you to the heart of the action whereby the impact of groundbreaking weapons and battlefield innovations is revealed.Broadcasting journalist and historian, Peter Snow, provides a foreword for this marvellous history book for adults. From ancient to modern battles, he provides context for the world's most famous wars, both won and lost. See for yourself how tactics, technology, vision, and luck have all played a part in the outcome of wars throughout history.At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.So why stop there? The Map by Map series includes other titles such as History of the World Map by Map and World War II Map by Map, each detailing historical events and placing them in the context of geography. DK's luxurious Map by Map books are fantastic history gifts, packed with fascinating facts, high-quality photography, and detailed profiles and descriptions of people and events.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2021
49 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
9,146 books2,040 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 21, 2021
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free copy of the book.
Comprehensive Battle Map Resource …
I own several battle map/atlas books that are mostly centered around specific conflicts (World War I, World War II, etc.). I found DK’s SMITHSONIAN BATTLES MAP BY MAP to be a thoughtfully designed and comprehensive resource that covers battles from early civilization to present day.
As with most DK books, this volume manages to economize an extensive period of history (before 1000 Common Era – present day) into less than 300 pages. Historically significant battles are presented in a condensed format confined to two facing pages. The book is chronologically divided into five century-specific sections for easier access: before 1000 CE, 1000-1500, 1500-1700, 1700-1900 and 1900-present). The top outer corner of the left pages identifies the section/era and the top outer corner of the right pages identifies the battle.
A condensed, yet informative, format applies to each battle. A large inset map providing a broad scope view of the battle is the centerpiece of each entry and offers a general perspective. Numerous small insets add the fine details to the large map that make it easy to understand how the battles start, progress and end. These small insets are informative, interesting and include not only explanations, but also images and map keys. This information gives the reader an clear understanding of the battle; it also illustrates how advancements in technology and weaponry have changed the dynamic of warfare and how battles are fought. DK uses this simple and organized format on most of its reference books and I find it to be amazingly effective in providing a wealth of information in a compact, yet visually appealing manner. I do own several battle map books that are significantly more detailed, but they are dedicated to specific wars ... this book covers over 2000 years in under 300 pages.
My only frustration is I feel the 1900-present section is missing some significant battles. While I understand that the intention was to condense, I still think the conflicts of the 20th century are significant enough historically to warrant more battles being covered. In my opinion, the invasion of Poland (“start” of World War II and the introduction of blitzkrieg warfare) is as significant as Pearl Harbor (which has an entry in the book). While the D-Day landings are an obvious choice, I would think Tarawa would have been a better entry (over Iwo Jima) as it served as the litmus test for future amphibious operations (including D-Day). While the end of each section/chapter identifies other battles, they are not given the full-map treatment I feel they deserve (maybe they should). I would have appreciated battle maps detailing the spread of Communism (Europe and Asia), Kursk, Leyte Gulf, Chosin Reservoir, fall of Saigon, Falklands conflict, Iran/Iraq War, Soviet Union/Afghanistan, China invasion of Vietnam and star of Enduring Freedom. While I feel some battles are omitted, I do not think it takes anything away from the overall value of this book as a useful and entertaining resource.
If you are looking for a comprehensive book mapping battles throughout history, I would whole-heartily recommend DK’s SMITHSONIAN BATTLES MAP BY MAP. Every page is chock full of useful information that is easy-to-digest and never boring.
Comprehensive Battle Map Resource …
I own several battle map/atlas books that are mostly centered around specific conflicts (World War I, World War II, etc.). I found DK’s SMITHSONIAN BATTLES MAP BY MAP to be a thoughtfully designed and comprehensive resource that covers battles from early civilization to present day.
As with most DK books, this volume manages to economize an extensive period of history (before 1000 Common Era – present day) into less than 300 pages. Historically significant battles are presented in a condensed format confined to two facing pages. The book is chronologically divided into five century-specific sections for easier access: before 1000 CE, 1000-1500, 1500-1700, 1700-1900 and 1900-present). The top outer corner of the left pages identifies the section/era and the top outer corner of the right pages identifies the battle.
A condensed, yet informative, format applies to each battle. A large inset map providing a broad scope view of the battle is the centerpiece of each entry and offers a general perspective. Numerous small insets add the fine details to the large map that make it easy to understand how the battles start, progress and end. These small insets are informative, interesting and include not only explanations, but also images and map keys. This information gives the reader an clear understanding of the battle; it also illustrates how advancements in technology and weaponry have changed the dynamic of warfare and how battles are fought. DK uses this simple and organized format on most of its reference books and I find it to be amazingly effective in providing a wealth of information in a compact, yet visually appealing manner. I do own several battle map books that are significantly more detailed, but they are dedicated to specific wars ... this book covers over 2000 years in under 300 pages.
My only frustration is I feel the 1900-present section is missing some significant battles. While I understand that the intention was to condense, I still think the conflicts of the 20th century are significant enough historically to warrant more battles being covered. In my opinion, the invasion of Poland (“start” of World War II and the introduction of blitzkrieg warfare) is as significant as Pearl Harbor (which has an entry in the book). While the D-Day landings are an obvious choice, I would think Tarawa would have been a better entry (over Iwo Jima) as it served as the litmus test for future amphibious operations (including D-Day). While the end of each section/chapter identifies other battles, they are not given the full-map treatment I feel they deserve (maybe they should). I would have appreciated battle maps detailing the spread of Communism (Europe and Asia), Kursk, Leyte Gulf, Chosin Reservoir, fall of Saigon, Falklands conflict, Iran/Iraq War, Soviet Union/Afghanistan, China invasion of Vietnam and star of Enduring Freedom. While I feel some battles are omitted, I do not think it takes anything away from the overall value of this book as a useful and entertaining resource.
If you are looking for a comprehensive book mapping battles throughout history, I would whole-heartily recommend DK’s SMITHSONIAN BATTLES MAP BY MAP. Every page is chock full of useful information that is easy-to-digest and never boring.
April 29, 2024
Thoughts:
- Fantastic foreword
- Maps are easy and fun to read. Very informative!
- Like that the book goes in timeline order
- Casualty statistics would have been a interesting addition
- Can be hard to read the maps at times especially when they use similar colors to detail troop movements.
- Overall, an incredibly detailed book that is 100 percent worth reading. I learned so much!
- Fantastic foreword
- Maps are easy and fun to read. Very informative!
- Like that the book goes in timeline order
- Casualty statistics would have been a interesting addition
- Can be hard to read the maps at times especially when they use similar colors to detail troop movements.
- Overall, an incredibly detailed book that is 100 percent worth reading. I learned so much!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews