Pike and Shot Tactics 1590–1660

Pike and Shot Tactics 1590–1660 cover

Description

Osprey's examiantion of pike and shot tactics employed in various wars of the 17th century. Throughout the 17th century, large parts of Europe were depopulated during wide-ranging and savage wars of religion and dynasty involving all of the major powers. These included the Dutch-Spanish wars of independence, The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and the English Civil Wars (1642-1651). This was the key period in the development of 'modern' infantry tactics, incorporating the use of pole-arms and muskets together, hence the popular expression 'pike and shot'. Although cavalry participated in such conflicts, it was the infantry that was the decisive arm. Such infantry tactics involved different national schools on thought and practice, tested bloodily in great battles.

Keith Roberts is a respected expert in this field, who draws on extensive knowledge of original manuals of tactics to create a revealing study of the period. This volume will be both attractive to wargamers and worthy of serious academic attention.

Table of Contents

Introduction – Maurice of Nassau counters Spanish tactics, 1590s · The Swedish method – Gustavus Adolphus adapts Dutch doctrine for more aggressive operations against German armies, 1630s · English veterans use Dutch tactics and German experience against the Scots, 1630s · The English Civil Wars, 1642–50: early Royalist armies use Swedish tactics, Parliamentary generals Dutch/German tactics – developments 1642–45 – the different influences carried over into the New Model Army · Conclusions

Product details

Published Mar 23 2010
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781846034695
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 48 b/w
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Elite
Short code ELI 179
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Illustrator

Adam Hook

Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his wo…

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