Polish Armies (2) 1569-1696 (Men at Arms Series, 188) Paperback – June 1, 1988

You can never go wrong with Osprey books when you're looking for info on a particular subject in military history. Short and concise without being too academically dry, plenty of info, great illustrations, and a wide span of subjects make them great references for research and just general curiosity. I have several volumes, from ancient Mediterranean warfare to the Golden Age of Caribbean piracy, with many others in between. I'm not that interested in modern warfare but Osprey has many titles on that too.

well informative but could have been in a smaller format , only not keen on the drawings I,d rather have seen the actually paintings.

the young man receiving it as per request was absorbed and still studying it at 4.30 in the morning blah blah

Rare to find Eastern European war history.

The author has a knack to transmit huge amounts of information (for the size of the book) in a clear way and without being pedantic. With a very useful glossary of terms (with pronunciation tips) and a clear writing the author shows in this second installment the influences that the western world gave and received from Poland and Lithuania.Being the juncture point between east and west, the Polish kingdom had a unique military system that was a syncretism between both war making philosophies.In this book you can find the information about the "Foreign Autorement" (and its increasing polization, although maintaining Germanic weapons and tactics), The Royal Guard (limited in numbers more from political than economical reasons), the powerful city militias (like Danzig) the Private armies of the landholding magnates and also the unruly, autonomous Zaporozhian Cossacks and Tatars.The descriptions aren't dry at all, they are filled with information about cultural customs (like the Cossack decision making "debates"); comments on the multicultural nation that was Poland in the 16th and 17th centuries; insights like the combination of shock lancers like the Hussars and the missile capabilities of the Tatars combining Western and Eastern tactical and weapon systems, that would influence, for example, Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden decision to abandon the caracole and (re)introduce the naked blade charge, etc.A truly great book that easily and competently introduces you to the subject. The Angus McBride plates are very good (although with some minor mistakes that the author corrects in the comments section).

Two excellent books, to be read as companions. Really enjoyed both short volumes. Very informative and well written, giving an insight into a whole military culture as well as the minutiae.