The Renaissance at War (Smithsonian History of Warfare)

Toward the end of the fifteenth century, modern artillery and portable firearms became the signature weapons of European armies, radically altering the nature of warfare. The new arms transformed society, too, as cities were built and rebuilt to limit the effects of bombardment by cannon. This book follows these far-reaching changes in comprehensive and fascinating detail and demonstrates how the innovations of the Renaissance paved the way to further changes in warfare.

• An in-depth technical look at the weaponry of the age and the tactical drills that honed the skills of Renaissance soldiers

• The epic wars abroad between Western Christians and the Muslim Turks Civil strife at home between despotic rulers and rebellious forces

• Kingly duels that play out on an international stage