Featured battle : Polotsk 1

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 16 August 1812 - 18 August 1812

An uneven battle with fierce fighting for some troops very little for others e.g. the Russian left wing was scarcely engaged. High casualties on both sides [Russian lost a quarter of their men the Franco-Bavarians lost a third] was in part due to the high concentration of guns [Russ 135 Fr-Bav 120] .Every officer of the Grodno Hussars was a casualty on the 18th.

The Knights of Islam. The Wars of the Mamluks 1250-1517

James Waterson
A truly fascinating book about a very special group of people. James Waterson makes as clear as possible the complex history of the Middle East from 1250-1517 focusing on the Mamluks. So many influences, not least that of religion, were at work over much of Asia which led to considerable flux and conflict. Who was on the move Mongols, Turkomen, Crusaders? Who was leading them? What internal disputes did every group have at what time? For a significant period the Mamluks were unbeatable even when greatly out numbered how was this possible? Their demise is as interesting as their creation and being. This book answers so many important questions which keep the reader interested from cover to cover.
The well written text is supported by a set of useful maps, some beautiful illustrations and a strong bibliography.
This is a remarkable book which we highly recommend.

Greenhill Books, 2021