DK’s Battle draws together, for the first time, the many facets of battle — the glory and the gore, the attrition and atrocity — in a new and original way. Organized chronologically, Battle provides a detailed overview of the conduct of warfare through the centuries, from the first recorded battle at Megiddo between the massed ranks of Hittites and Egyptians, to the war of the missing Weapons of Mass Destruction. In each era, the technology that transformed the battlefield and the tactics that won the day are explored and explained. Battle is an indispensable reference to this most fundamental part of the human story.
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102 reviews for Battle: A Visual Journey Through 5,000 Years of Combat
4.6out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
9
★★★★★
3
★★★★★
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★★★★★
musiclover2000 –
My twenty one year old son got this as a birthday gift in the third grade. His friend really knew his interests since he read it cover to cover and still enjoys looking at it today. When my 3 month old lab puppy decided to explore the bookcase she found this well worn book smelled and tasted great enough to chew up its spine. I am sure she was attracted to all those years of human handling. I did not hesitate to replace it, he had enjoyed it so much and still looks at it off and on.
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★★★★★
brandon perry –
Love the book…. I hope to buy more books from DK Books
There are two main reasons why I liked this book and why you should get it if you are a true history buff: 1. The format (like most DK books) is very well organized with just the right amount of text and pictures, without making one fall asleep.
2. Unlike most general history books that are written in English, this book does not assume that Europe is the only region that matters in the history of the world. As a kid growing up in the US, I am quite frankly sick of reading about only Europe and ….Rome! The author(s) did a great job of covering major battles that affected the history of nations all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America (not only in Europe or ROME!). For example, not many western history buffs will even know of the major invasions (millions died) that took place in Korea by Japan in the 1590s, but this book does justice to it by dedicating more than one full page to it (with pictures!).
I ordered this book as soon as I saw it in the bookstore. It’s a great nighttime read for browsing and learning about battles that history has “put aside”. Great job!
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★★★★★
Larry G. –
Every battle you ever heard of, and more! This is a very detailed book and the illustrations are not only helpful but instructive. Well written.
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★★★★★
Christopher –
It’s a frantic book, unfortunately it did not come with the book cover you see in the photo. Instead just came without it. Would of been nice to have it intact or as described. Maybe every a message saying it is missing or without. Otherwise I’m happy I got this book, after losing the book, years ago, in a move.
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★★★★★
Stephanie Lynch –
This is a fantastic resource (and just plain fun, too). I bought it for my goddaughter, who is really into military history. She practically squeaked with delight when she started flipping through this book! I highly recommend it for any kids who are interested in history, and for adults, too. The illustrations are excellent, the information is solid and provides a great overview, and the paper quality of the book is wonderful as well.
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★★★★★
Claudio Altieri –
Dello stesso editore e della stessa serie ho acquistato poco tempo fa il volume WEAPONS rimanendone favorevolmente colpito. Questo BATTLE non fa eccezione: un volume assai bel confezionato, che fa dell’iconografia il suo punto di forza ma che anche per quanto riguarda il testo, è completo e piuttosto esaustivo, anche se necessariamente stringato a causa della mole imponente di informazioni riportate e dall’ambiziosità del progetto.
Il volume affronta infatti tutti (o quasi) gli eventi bellici STORICAMENTE NOTI, dalla remota antichità ai nostri giorni, analizzandone gli eventi più importanti ed i vari punti di svolta nell’ambito del singolo conflitto ovvero degli sviluppi ulteriori nel corso dei secoli.
Quadretti esplicativi rendono conto dei maggiori personaggi storici e delle armi e degli equipaggiamenti che hanno influenzato e/o rivoluzionato gli eventi e l’arte della guerra, così come sono debitamente descritti episodi collaterali collegati all’evento storico e altre informazioni rilevanti su costume e società.
L’unico vero, grosso difetto sta nella realizzazione grafica del testo vero e proprio, scritto a caratteri piccolissimi per farci stare dentro tutto… uno sforzo non da poco, specie per chi non ha una vista da falco!
Per il resto, bisogna prenderlo per quello che è: un compendio generale sulla storia militare dell’umanità.
Come sempre, se ci si appassiona alla materia o ci si interessa ad un evento storico particolare, sarà sempre bene e meglio cercare testi più specifici e per forza di cose più ampi. In compenso, questo libro offre un eccellente trampolino di lancio su quella parte della storia che meno si studia nelle nostre scuole, perché pare che gli studi di storia militare – specie nel nostro paese – siano materia politically uncorrect e così poco trendy, da essere platealmente ignorati (parlo per esperienza personale)…
Decisamente valido pur nei suoi limiti.
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★★★★★
Paul Harmon –
This is a three in one review on the truly splendid books, Warrior, Weapon, and Battle. Or more formally: Warrior, A visual History of the Fighting Man. Weapon, A visual History of Arms and Armor. Battle, A visual Journey through 5000 Years of Combat.
They can be reviewed together because of their kinship in sharing the same visual concept and the same supremely expert author, R. G. Grant. No pilgrim, Grant is the author of over 20 books, most on the subject of conflict, implements of war and the fighting man.
All three books are wonderfully delicious for those of us whose DNA inclines us toward the history of arms, armament and the men who have carried them. These books are chock full of photographs, charts, maps and illustrations on every page to beautifully compliment and expand upon a tightly written, no fluff text. And this text is extremely well researched.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that I have not read each of these three books in their entirety. I’ve had them for only 2 weeks and after scanning them from start to finish, I am now devouring them slowly, page by page, like a monk with a holy book, meting out tasty morsels judiciously. I want this to last a long time.
Although, the books overlap to a degree, they are not repetitious in any negative way as they each have their own exclusive focus.
Warrior takes on the subject of the individual fighting man from 600 BCE to the present, from the Greek Hoplite, the Samurai, Zulu, Mongol bowman, American rifleman to the modern western infantry and special forces…and almost everything in between.
Weapon focuses on just about every kind of implement of a fighting man’s arsenal of killing tools from Assyrian spears to the AK 47. In some cases, replicas have been photographed but mostly it’s the often crusty, old real thing. The photography is first rate. As in all three books, the text and illustrations are intermingled in such an artful way as to make each page a visual smorgasbord.
Battle covers the first recorded major battle which is between the Canaanites and the Egyptians at Meiddo and takes us through conflicts in every age all the way to modern times. Its focus is on the Generals, the strategies, the troops and their weapons.
Battle was published by DK in 2005, Weapon in `05 and Warrior in `07. Highly recommended, all three.
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★★★★★
DestroyerCPQ –
The book is good it is the exactly what i expected
Minus points for bad packaging and the Book dint arrive in a perfect condition The corners are all damaged wouldn’t it be for multiple weeks to get the Product i would have sent it back
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★★★★★
John Hawkins –
I like to see those old style and modern style weapons all together in this book. Something shocks me that although these were tools for killing, but looking at them make me feel safe and peaceful. They are just used pens, retired after writing millions pages of a history book. History finally buries them into our museum, so we have a chance to read them, peacefully.
I take one star off because it is not thick enough to include a few important battles in far east – we really have had too many battles.
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★★★★★
Helmut Krause –
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in military conflict through the centuries. It covers all of the major battles and more that occurred. In particular I like the way that it provides some historical background to the acutal battles.
Short and punchy summaries of the battles just add to the attraction of the book. Lavished throughout with excellent maps and colour photos and illustrations this book is a must have for any military library.
Do yourself a favour and buy it.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
DBWM –
It is a DK book – what else do you need to know! Do not be silly, just buy it – you will not regret it. Highly recommended.
musiclover2000 –
My twenty one year old son got this as a birthday gift in the third grade. His friend really knew his interests since he read it cover to cover and still enjoys looking at it today. When my 3 month old lab puppy decided to explore the bookcase she found this well worn book smelled and tasted great enough to chew up its spine. I am sure she was attracted to all those years of human handling. I did not hesitate to replace it, he had enjoyed it so much and still looks at it off and on.
brandon perry –
Love the book….
I hope to buy more books from DK Books
猫ちゃん –
ビジュアル満載の戦史。なんともぜいたくな本です。戦略戦術よりも技術面に注目しているようです。まあ、新兵器あっての新戦術ですから。
Jason K. –
There are two main reasons why I liked this book and why you should get it if you are a true history buff:
1. The format (like most DK books) is very well organized with just the right amount of text and pictures, without making one fall asleep.
2. Unlike most general history books that are written in English, this book does not assume that Europe is the only region that matters in the history of the world. As a kid growing up in the US, I am quite frankly sick of reading about only Europe and ….Rome! The author(s) did a great job of covering major battles that affected the history of nations all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America (not only in Europe or ROME!). For example, not many western history buffs will even know of the major invasions (millions died) that took place in Korea by Japan in the 1590s, but this book does justice to it by dedicating more than one full page to it (with pictures!).
I ordered this book as soon as I saw it in the bookstore. It’s a great nighttime read for browsing and learning about battles that history has “put aside”. Great job!
Larry G. –
Every battle you ever heard of, and more! This is a very detailed book and the illustrations are not only helpful but instructive. Well written.
Christopher –
It’s a frantic book, unfortunately it did not come with the book cover you see in the photo. Instead just came without it. Would of been nice to have it intact or as described. Maybe every a message saying it is missing or without. Otherwise I’m happy I got this book, after losing the book, years ago, in a move.
Stephanie Lynch –
This is a fantastic resource (and just plain fun, too). I bought it for my goddaughter, who is really into military history. She practically squeaked with delight when she started flipping through this book! I highly recommend it for any kids who are interested in history, and for adults, too. The illustrations are excellent, the information is solid and provides a great overview, and the paper quality of the book is wonderful as well.
Claudio Altieri –
Dello stesso editore e della stessa serie ho acquistato poco tempo fa il volume WEAPONS rimanendone favorevolmente colpito.
Questo BATTLE non fa eccezione: un volume assai bel confezionato, che fa dell’iconografia il suo punto di forza ma che anche per quanto riguarda il testo, è completo e piuttosto esaustivo, anche se necessariamente stringato a causa della mole imponente di informazioni riportate e dall’ambiziosità del progetto.
Il volume affronta infatti tutti (o quasi) gli eventi bellici STORICAMENTE NOTI, dalla remota antichità ai nostri giorni, analizzandone gli eventi più importanti ed i vari punti di svolta nell’ambito del singolo conflitto ovvero degli sviluppi ulteriori nel corso dei secoli.
Quadretti esplicativi rendono conto dei maggiori personaggi storici e delle armi e degli equipaggiamenti che hanno influenzato e/o rivoluzionato gli eventi e l’arte della guerra, così come sono debitamente descritti episodi collaterali collegati all’evento storico e altre informazioni rilevanti su costume e società.
L’unico vero, grosso difetto sta nella realizzazione grafica del testo vero e proprio, scritto a caratteri piccolissimi per farci stare dentro tutto… uno sforzo non da poco, specie per chi non ha una vista da falco!
Per il resto, bisogna prenderlo per quello che è: un compendio generale sulla storia militare dell’umanità.
Come sempre, se ci si appassiona alla materia o ci si interessa ad un evento storico particolare, sarà sempre bene e meglio cercare testi più specifici e per forza di cose più ampi.
In compenso, questo libro offre un eccellente trampolino di lancio su quella parte della storia che meno si studia nelle nostre scuole, perché pare che gli studi di storia militare – specie nel nostro paese – siano materia politically uncorrect e così poco trendy, da essere platealmente ignorati (parlo per esperienza personale)…
Decisamente valido pur nei suoi limiti.
Paul Harmon –
This is a three in one review on the truly splendid books, Warrior, Weapon, and Battle. Or more formally: Warrior, A visual History of the Fighting Man. Weapon, A visual History of Arms and Armor. Battle, A visual Journey through 5000 Years of Combat.
They can be reviewed together because of their kinship in sharing the same visual concept and the same supremely expert author, R. G. Grant. No pilgrim, Grant is the author of over 20 books, most on the subject of conflict, implements of war and the fighting man.
All three books are wonderfully delicious for those of us whose DNA inclines us toward the history of arms, armament and the men who have carried them. These books are chock full of photographs, charts, maps and illustrations on every page to beautifully compliment and expand upon a tightly written, no fluff text. And this text is extremely well researched.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that I have not read each of these three books in their entirety. I’ve had them for only 2 weeks and after scanning them from start to finish, I am now devouring them slowly, page by page, like a monk with a holy book, meting out tasty morsels judiciously. I want this to last a long time.
Although, the books overlap to a degree, they are not repetitious in any negative way as they each have their own exclusive focus.
Warrior takes on the subject of the individual fighting man from 600 BCE to the present, from the Greek Hoplite, the Samurai, Zulu, Mongol bowman, American rifleman to the modern western infantry and special forces…and almost everything in between.
Weapon focuses on just about every kind of implement of a fighting man’s arsenal of killing tools from Assyrian spears to the AK 47. In some cases, replicas have been photographed but mostly it’s the often crusty, old real thing. The photography is first rate. As in all three books, the text and illustrations are intermingled in such an artful way as to make each page a visual smorgasbord.
Battle covers the first recorded major battle which is between the Canaanites and the Egyptians at Meiddo and takes us through conflicts in every age all the way to modern times. Its focus is on the Generals, the strategies, the troops and their weapons.
Battle was published by DK in 2005, Weapon in `05 and Warrior in `07. Highly recommended, all three.
DestroyerCPQ –
The book is good it is the exactly what i expected
Minus points for bad packaging and the Book dint arrive in a perfect condition
The corners are all damaged
wouldn’t it be for multiple weeks to get the Product i would have sent it back
John Hawkins –
I like to see those old style and modern style weapons all together in this book. Something shocks me that although these were tools for killing, but looking at them make me feel safe and peaceful. They are just used pens, retired after writing millions pages of a history book. History finally buries them into our museum, so we have a chance to read them, peacefully.
I take one star off because it is not thick enough to include a few important battles in far east – we really have had too many battles.
Helmut Krause –
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in military conflict through the centuries. It covers all of the major battles and more that occurred. In particular I like the way that it provides some historical background to the acutal battles.
Short and punchy summaries of the battles just add to the attraction of the book. Lavished throughout with excellent maps and colour photos and illustrations this book is a must have for any military library.
Do yourself a favour and buy it.
DBWM –
It is a DK book – what else do you need to know!
Do not be silly, just buy it – you will not regret it.
Highly recommended.