Kelly De Vries Books

A close study of the military and political strategies of Edward III and the Black Prince, whose great victories had by 1360 made England the foremost martial nation of Europe.

Focusing on the overlooked battle of Stamford Bridge, the narrative explores the dramatic events of 1066, highlighting King Harold II Godwinson's victory over King Haraldr Hardradi of Norway. This significant conflict, occurring just weeks before the more famous battle of Hastings, showcases the strength of the Godwin family and the formidable Hardradi. Kelly DeVries intricately weaves the rise and fall of these warlords, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in English history.

By the late fifteenth century Ottoman Turkish mastery of the Eastern Mediterranean was nearly complete. However, the tiny island of Rhodes, just a few kilometres from the south-west coast of Turkey, remained a thorn in their side. Home to the walled headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, a crusading Order of "warrior monks", Rhodes was besieged for three months by the full might of the Turkish army and artillery in 1480, but emerged undefeated. The Ottomans would inevitably return, so the Hospitallers strengthened and adapted their fortifications and defences in preparation for another siege. The Ottomans attacked again in 1522 and, after six months, captured Rhodes but were unable to defeat the Hospitallers who were allowed to leave with their lives, arms and possessions. Why were the Knights Hospitaller able to remain undefeated against the most powerful military force in the world? And what changes were made to the fortifications of their island stronghold? This book uniquely uses the eyewitness accounts, surviving guns and extant walls to construct the story of these two sieges in detail, and uses these events as a backdrop to explore the wider relationship between the development of gunpowder weapons and the fortifications built to defend against them. Including detailed appendices with a wealth of images of the cannon and walls, this book will fascinate not only visitors to Rhodes, but also those wo are interested in the art of medieval warfare. -- Back cover

The 2017 special issue of Medieval Warfare takes a look at one of the most famous battles in the history of the British Isles: the Battle of Hastings.

A highly illustrated account of one of the major battles of Italy's 13th century wars between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, immortalized in the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, who was one of the combattants.

Battles of the Crusades introduces 20 key battles from the medieval period of religiously-inspired conflict in Europe and the Middle East, beginning with the battle of Dorylaeum (1097) and ending with the battle of Varna (1444). Each entry includes an introduction, description of the action, analysis of the aftermath and a map.

Focusing on the evolution of warfare, this reference explores the weapons and armor utilized by warriors from the 4th to the 15th century. It delves into the historical context surrounding these changes, examining the factors that influenced the development of military technology over the centuries. The book provides a comprehensive look at the advancements in armaments and protective gear, highlighting their significance in shaping combat strategies and outcomes during this dynamic period.

A highly illustrated study of the medieval Italian battle of Castagnaro, the famous English condottiere captain Sir John Hawkwood's greatest victory.The battle of Castagnaro, fought on 11 March 1387 between the Veronese and the Paduans, was one of the few Italian medieval conflicts known in the English-speaking world thanks to the exploits of the renowned English mercenary (or condottiero ) captain, Sir John Hawkwood. Commanding the Paduan army, he led them to a stunning victory.This new study challenges the conventional story of the battle, relocating it to the other side of the Adige River, and showing that Hawkwood was no mere disciple of his previous commander, the Black Prince--he was a highly talented and intelligent general in his own right. Using specially commissioned full-color artwork, this fascinating book shows how Hawkwood used his own acumen, and the training, skills and discipline of his very experienced condottieri , to defeat his opponents at Castagnaro.

DeVries has focused on an intriguing problem, and his detailed analysis of battles provides an important reassessment of the way in which infantry and dismounted cavalry achieved such striking successes. HISTORY