War At Sea In The Middle Ages And The Renaissance (warfare In History) [Hardcover]

This volume is both a restatement of current interpretations of sea power in the middle ages and the Renaissance and a general introduction to naval and maritime history over four and a half centuries. The book offers broad conclusions on the role and characteristics of armed force at sea before 1650, conclusions that exploit the best current understanding of the medieval period. The examination of naval militias in the Baltic, permanent galley fleets in the Mediterranean, contract fleets and the use of reprisal for political ends all illustrate the variety and complexity of naval power and domination of the sea in theyears from 1000 to 1650. The detailed and closely coordinated studies by scholars from Europe, North America, and Australia show patterns in war at sea and discuss the influence of the development of ships, guns, and the language of public policy on maritime conflict. The essays show the importance and unique character of violence at sea in the period. Contributors: JOHN B. HATTENDORF, NIELS LUND, JAN BILL, TIMOTHY J. RUNYAN, IAN FRIEL, JOHN H. PRYOR, LAWRENCE V. MOTT, JOHN DOTSON, MICHEL BALARD, BERNARD DOUMERC, MARCO GEMIGNANI, FRANCISCO CONTENT DOMINGUES, LOUIS SICKING, JAN GLETE, N.A.M. RODGER, RICHARD W. UNGER.The role and characteristics of armed force at sea in western Europe and the Mediterranean prior to 1650.Introduction: Theories of Naval Power - John B. HattendorfNaval Force in the Viking Age and High Medieval Denmark - Niels LundScandinavian Warships and Naval Power in the 13th and 14th centuries - Jan BillNaval Power and Maritime Technology during the Hundred Years' War - Timothy J RunyanOars, Sails and Guns: The English and War at Sea, c.1200-1500 - Ian FrielByzantium and the Sea: Byzantine Fleets and the History of The Empire in the Age of the Macedonian Emperors, c.900-1025 - John PryorIberian Naval Power, 1000-1650 - Lawrence V MottVenice, Genoa and Control of the Seas in the 13th and 14th Centuries - John DotsonGenoese Naval Forces ilÃ*