Bachrach David S. Books

Over half a century, the first two kings of the Saxon dynasty, Henry I (919-936) and Otto I (936-973), engaged in extensive military campaigns across Europe. Their armies operated from the Oder in the east to the Seine in the west, and from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Adriatic and Mediterranean in the south. Through numerous military actions and strategic diplomacy, they recreated Charlemagne's empire and established themselves as dominant rulers in Western Europe. This work explores how Henry I and Otto I accomplished this, providing an in-depth analysis of the organization, training, morale, tactics, and strategy of Ottonian armies during this period. Utilizing a wide range of sources, including significant archaeological findings, it reveals that the Ottonian kings commanded large armies focused on capturing fortifications, particularly Roman-origin fortress cities. Their military success demonstrates that Henry I and Otto I built upon the legacies of their Carolingian predecessors and the late Roman Empire, supported by a well-organized administration and bureaucracy that effectively mobilized resources for warfare. David S. Bachrach is Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire.

Focusing on the military strategies of the Angevin kings from 1189 to 1307, this collection of essays by David S. Bachrach utilizes previously overlooked administrative records to reveal advancements in military technology, including artillery and missile weapons. It underscores the administrative prowess of the kings in managing vast arsenals and supplies while ensuring the welfare of their troops. Bachrach also shifts the narrative away from the traditional knight-centric view, highlighting the significant contributions of lower social classes who engaged in military service and professional soldiering.

Writing the Military History of Pre-Crusade Europe brings together fourteen articles by eminent historians David S. Bachrach and Bernard S. Bachrach. Crucial to the writing of medieval military history is a thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the available source materials. Just as important is a broad conception of the range of sources which scholars can draw upon to ask and answer questions about the organization and conduct of war. The studies collected in this volume provide insights regarding many of the most important narrative works from pre-Crusade Europe, with a particular emphasis on the ways in which they can be used to write military history, as well as the pitfalls facing historians who read these texts transparently without regard for the authors' various parti pris and limitations. In addition to their treatment of narrative works, several of the studies in this volume highlight the importance of treating historiographical texts within the broader range of source materials that illuminate the conduct and organization of war in pre-crusade Europe, particularly material sources developed through excavations, as well as contemporary images, most prominently the Bayeux Tapestry. The book will appeal to scholars and students of medieval history, as well as those interested in military history.

This book offers a thought-provoking examination of the Ottonian kingdom's expansion and prosperity, emphasizing the essential resources that fueled its growth. It delves into the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the kingdom's success, providing a nuanced understanding of its historical context. Through detailed analysis, the author reveals the complexities behind the kingdom's development and the strategic decisions that shaped its legacy.

Focusing on the city of Worms from around 1000 to 1300, this volume presents translated texts that shed light on the often-overlooked history of medieval Germany's lower social orders. By exploring Worms' urban, ecclesiastical, and political developments, the work aims to enhance understanding of the German kingdom during a period of significant power and influence. The texts serve as a crucial resource for uncovering the complexities of life in medieval Germany beyond the German-speaking regions.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of how religion and warfare intertwined in the Western world from the 4th century to the early 13th century. It examines the complex relationships between religious beliefs and military conflicts, highlighting the influence of faith on warfare and vice versa. Through a detailed analysis, it sheds light on the historical context and significant events that shaped this dynamic, providing a nuanced understanding of the role of religion in the evolution of Western military history.