Featured battle : Heilsberg

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 10 June 1807

Initially only the Reserve Cavalry Corps and Soult's IV Corps came up against what they thought, and because of their messages sent back to him, Napoleon thought, was the Russian Rearguard. Initial attacks were costly and unsuccessful and it was realised that the Russian main body had made a stand. Hastily summoned Napoleon came up with Lannes V Corps and the Imperial Guard. He immediately threw in Lannes Corps in yet another fuitless and costly frontal attack. During this engagement Count Bennigsen, the Russian commander, was so ill that he fell unconscious from his horse several times. The Russo-Prussians retired from the battlefield on the 11th having inflicted heavy casualties on their opponent.

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