Product Description

The Landsknecht (meaning 'servant of the country') flourished during a key period for military organisation and practice. In the late 15th century, the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, recruited thousands of mercenaries from Central and Northern Europe, with the aim of creating a reliable source of men for his armies – and the Landsknecht were born. This book reveals the true-life experiences of the Landsknecht soldier, using numerous first-hand accounts. It takes a close look at the recruitment, training, daily life and and careers of these formidable soldiers, and examines in detail their clothing, equipment and weaponry. Many fine, contemporary illustrations, some drawn by Landsknecht themselves, accompany the text.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #844892 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-25
• Released on: 2002-05-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

About the Author
John Richards has had a long-standing interest in the history of Central European warfare. He has researched the Landsknecht soldier for a number of years. He lives and works in Basel, Switzerland.

Customer Reviews

Transports you to the life of the Renaissance Mercenary
John Richards and Gerry Embleton make a nice team in this new title for the Osprey Warrior series LANDSKNECHT SOLDIER 1486-1560, if you ever wonder the origin of this Servant of the Country this is one of the best intro to the subject, the famous Landsknecht were one of the best infantry soldiers of the Renaissance,Mercenary Pikemen was one of the deadliest weapon on the field without forgetting their famous and colorful clothes.

I think that the content of the book is pretty well done as all Osprey books in 64 pages they try to give the most important info from the Origins of the Landsknecht, organization, army life, religion, costume( one of the most important part) and the decline. In a nice weekend you can seat a relax a travel back in time to the days of the "BAD WAR". Nicely Illustrated by Gerry Embleton which famous illustration and knowledge on the subject make the book complete, he have some works on the subject his book Medieval Military Costume is also illustrated by him and with many colour photographs of real models.

A Nice read if you looking for the everyday life of these formidable soldiers of the late 15th century you will find it fascinating. For more Renaissance warfare the book from Thomas Arnold "The Renaissance at War" explore in more detail the wars of this period with alot of maps and Illustration, Osprey have alot of titles on the subject Armies of the German Peasants War 1524-26 by Douglas Miller and Angus McBride and Pavia 1525 are some of the titles you would enjoy if you like to read about the German mercenaries. Lets hope for more titles like this specially on the Swiss, Spanish Tercios and Italian mercenaries.