Anglo-Saxon Weapons & Warfare by Richard Underwood
I have just finished reading Richard Underwood's book and wanted to offer this short review.
Dr Underwood is a living Historian who has drawn on his experience to write a book that aims to tackle the complexity of Anglo-Saxon weapons – did you know there are six types of knife or Seax to be more precise! In the first section he takes each weapon in order, examining archaeological and written evidence to discover the weapon's role in battle and society. He then looks at the everyday use of the weapon, highlighting key historical arguments and drawing on his own practical experience. The second section of the book looks a warfare and society, speculating over how 'British' society was structured and the roles weapons played. It touches on most important issues, without getting bogged down in historical debate.
On the whole this is an excellent book. Unlike other tombs on this subject is is accessible, easy to read and contains excellent illustrations that support the text. It focuses on examining the practical side of the weapons, though this is supported by some deeper debate. I found the chapter looking at single combat, skirmishes and battles very enlightening.
If you are interested in this period, then this is a great book to get you star
