Description
Book SynopsisPaul Scannell is currently serving as a Canadian Regular Army officer and has a PhD in history from The Open University
Trade ReviewPaul Scannell is to be congratulated for his timely and worthwhile contribution to our understanding of the largely grim experiences of early modern British soldiers fighting overseas. * European History Quarterly *
Scannell provides a provocative interpretation of military writings through the lens of the "public sphere" that reflects the latest historiographical trends in the field. * Mark Fissel, Professor of History Emeritus, Georgia Regents University, USA *
Paul Scannell helps to fill the void that has until now existed between studies of late medieval warfare and the English Civil Wars. In a fascinating and straightforward way he explores the war experiences of soldiers themselves, demonstrating that these sources offer a wealth of valuable detail which is frequently absent from the more official sources traditionally drawn upon by historians. From now on, historians and the general reader will turn to this book before plunging into the literature of historical debates about Elizabethan and early Stuart warfare. * Rosemary O'Day, Emeritus Professor of History, The Open University, UK *
This is an impressively comprehensive account of British soldiers’ experiences of war on the European continent from the time of the Dutch revolt until the Thirty Years War. Clearly written, and refreshingly free of jargon, Scannell’s book will be of interest to scholar and general reader alike. It has valuable things to say about a variety of topics: professional versus mercenary soldiers, the rivalry between horse and foot, battlefield motivation, the new military technology, wounds, medical treatment, turncoats, and the continuing importance of honour for soldiers and officers alike. He shows convincingly that few of those who recorded their experiences were motivated by profit or plunder. Indeed, a number of officers financed their own expeditions. Of far greater importance were loyalty, a Calvinist zeal to overthrow international Roman Catholicism, and not least, a desire to win honour and glory. * Ian Gentles, Professor of History, Tyndale University College, Canada *
Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. The published works of soldiers 3. The categories of soldiers 4. The motivation of soldiers 5. The experience of soldiers 6. Conclusion Bibliography Index
