Medieval Maritime Warfare

"...provides its readers with a solid education in the campaigns, broader political and technological trends, and strategic aims of the maritime powers of Medieval Europe, the Levant, and North Africa... Whether one’s interest is in the technology of medieval naval warfare, the strategy and tactics of engagements and campaigns, or a study of the complex interaction between naval institutions and the societies that they served and preyed upon, Stanton has crafted a thoughtful work that should encourage more research and writing into the fascinating field of medieval maritime warfare." ~Naval Historical Foundation

"a readable, very serious study of naval warfare in the wider European world from the age of Justinian to the Renaissance...Stanton effectively weaves together rather technical discussions of warship design, seafaring and the sailor’s life, naval strategy and tactics, complex diplomacy, comments on people, commerce, cultures, all of which makes for a lot of history, not just maritime history. An excellent feature is that for some particularly important operations, Stanton follows his summary overview in his main text with deeper analysis in chapter annexes titled “Exemplary Engagement.” Many of the events he covers, such as Byzantine-Muslim or Aragonese-Angevin wars are likely to be unfamiliar with English-speaking readers, which makes this a particular valuable book." ~StrategyPage

"Back in the day, Dr. Daniel taught us that from the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C. to the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 there was no change in naval tactics. Well, there were changes, and Charles Stanton has sorted them out in an exceptionally clear and relatively not overwhelming way...full-color plates, most often of miniatures—a happy medium for print when your publisher goes to the expense of presenting them as well as they are done here. Because many are miniatures to begin with, detail isn't lost as a picture is reduced to fit on a page. And the color is excellent...The text refers to the sequential plates with absolute clarity, drawing attention primarily to key elements of the progress of maritime technology that would otherwise be invisible to those of us whose material culture is grounded in the age of sail." ~Robert Durwood Madison, The Nautilus

“Exceptionally well written, impressively organized and presented, Medieval Maritime Warfare is a seminal study that should be considered a core addition to community, college, and university library Medieval History collections in general, and Naval Military History supplemental curriculum studies lists in particular.” ~Midwest Book Review

"Dr. Stanton deftly weaves smaller details about nautical architecture, navigation techniques, arms and warfare tactics, and other important but little discussed points. [A] great overview of the development of medieval maritime warfare in the various regions of Europe... highly recommend." ~Maritime History Podcast