|
This Week in Books
Roger Crowley Random House, 2012 This is Mr. Crowley's third book, preceded by 1453 - Holy War for Constantinople, and Empires of the Sea - The Siege of Malta, Battle for Lepanto, and the Contest for the Center of the World. By the material, City of Fortune occurs first covering over 500 years of history beginning at 1000 AD, in 375 pages. So it moves deliberately, emphasizing ports of call. The conflicts, especially crucial military events, are well detailed, beginning with controlling the Adriatic and the Fourth Crusade which includes the sacking of Constantinople, as well as the War of Chioggia where Venice itself is nearly overrun by a coalition including the Hungarians and the rival Genoese, whom the Venetians conflict with throughout this time period. The War of Chioggia was unfamiliar to me, and Mr. Crowley writes in such a manner that even though I knew who would win, I was in doubt to the very end and through the next chapter; if it were a movie, I would doubt its authenticity. Maps and color pictures in the hardback edition. Before getting along much further: What I found more interesting would be the politics and logistics covered. "A larger merchant galley was evolved, principally a sailing vessel with increased cargo sizes and cut journey times. A galley that could carry 150 tons below-decks in the 1290s had enlarged to a carrier of 250 tons by the 1450s. This galea grosssa was heavy on manpower. It required a crew typically of over two hundred, including 180 oarsmen..." (excellent Reference section) Each Venetian rower was also a soldier, with his weapons stored under his bench ready to fight. Each ship. Just making the route. One can see why some of the deadliest navy fights in history are in the Age of Oar.
Posted by: swksvolFF 2015-11-23 |
||
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=436448 |