Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of maps, tables, figures, an appendix (Rulers of the English c. 871-1066), a bibliography and an index, "The Anglo-Saxons at War 800-1066" is a key addition to both community and academic library Medieval British History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

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Midwest Book Review

Paul Hill is a writer at home and in love with his subject. He has produced another interesting and enjoyable book which offers a fascinating and thorough account of all aspects of warfare in the time of the great Anglo-Saxon kings, their wars against each other, the Danes and the Vikings. He uses documentary records, the Bayeux Tapestry and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, poems and ballads plus a growing body of archaeological evidence to answer the pertinent questions – Why did the Saxons go to war, so often over such a long period of time? How were warriors trained and armed? How were armies organized? How did they fight, what were the weapons used, what was close combat really like?

The text is well written and easy to follow, organized by topic with a handy Index so that the reader can dip in and out depending on whatever interests one at the time. It provides a detailed and graphic account of the conduct of war in the Anglo-Saxon world during three unstable, violent centuries which destabilised the kingdom and led to ultimate defeat by the Normans. Altogether an essential addition for anyone with an interest in Anglo-Saxon history.

Norfolk Family History Society - 'The Ancestor' magazine

5 Key Weapons of the Anglo-Saxon Period

Author article on History Hit

History Hit, September 2019

An excellent book that would appeal to anyone with an interest in this turbulent period of history, the casual reader or the wargamer.

The Battlefields Trust

This book is simply a must for anyone interested in the military aspects of Anglo-Saxon England. Paul Hill's writing style makes the book an easy read for the complete novice as well as those with more comprehensive knowledge. I literally couldn't put it down, devouring the information this book contained.

Customer Review

If you are looking for a research book on the period, this is it. The author provides some very good detail on small unit tactics and weapons of the age that gives more substance to the big picture strategic level Osprey Men at Arms series on Viking, Normans and Saxons.

Customer Review

Paul Hill’s fifth Anglo-Saxon history book is a truly fascinating, detailed and thorough account of all aspects of Warfare in the period – beginning with the rise of the Kingdom Wessex and detailing with the rise of the developments up to the Norman Conquest…This book would be a very worthwhile acquisition for anyone with an interest in military and Anglo-Saxon history.

Hexham Local History Society

Hill offers some useful insights into the mindset of the military in those days, and presents a good working summary of recruitment, equipment, manoeuvres and training…Hill’s prose style is terse but engaging, and he carries the reader along without effort.

Medieval Warfare

There is not an enormous amount of information from this war-like society, and they remain somewhat mysterious. Paul Hill does an excellent job compiling and summarizing historical documents about this time period. He does his best to stick to the facts, but (rightfully) does not dismiss tales and poems as sources of information. What the reader gets is an easy-to-follow interpretation of how and why the Anglo-Saxons fought their enemies… and each other.

The book is fairly concise (200 pages), and it is organized by topic, rather than chronologically. This makes it fairly easy to read in whatever order you choose. It also includes a handy index so that you jump to whatever section interests you at that moment. From the weapons and tactics they used, to specific battles like Ashdown and Hastings, to the reasons why the culture was so war-like and unstable, the book explores sources like the Bayeux Tapestry and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle to provide a clear picture of what went on during this brutal period.

The book works well as an introduction to those who are interested but have not put a lot of study into the topic. It also works well as a high-level discussion of sources and what can be inferred and theorized from them. Either way, you will come away from this book with a greater understanding of the Anglo-Saxons and their culture of war.

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