Although the book is named after the battle, it only actually takes up one of the six chapters. What we actually get is a fascinating account of the impact of the Huns on the two halves of the Roman Empire, both of which suffered from their raids, with the eastern Empire losing several very costly field battles against them. We do get a good account of the battle itself, combined with a convincing suggestion for its location. However for me the best thing about the book is the final chapter, which looks at the aftermath of the battle in far more detail than is often the case.

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History of War

Review by Murray Dahm

This is a thorough and solid introduction to the battle; paired with Hughes [Attila the Hun], you have all you'll need.

Ancient Warfare, Vol XIV, Issue 3

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The Armourer, February 2020

Featured 'ON THE BOOK SHELF' with Neil Smith

Wargames Illustrated, December 2019

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VaeVictis - n° 144 - mars/avril 2019

For those readers with an interest in the military history of the late antiquity period, especially the doings of one Atilla the Hun, "The Battle of the Catalaunian Fields AD451" is for you. The author has done an excellent job of research with original documents, discussing the pros and cons of each source, then adding comments from more recent sources. There are a number of color photos illustrating arms, equipment and the current state of the battlefield. Also included are two appendices: one a chronology, the other a force estimate for the Roman Army. Of extreme importance here is the writing style - it is clear and focused, making for an informative read.

The Past In Review, David Lee Poremba

Many know the name 'Attila', but few known much more about this important conqueror. This highly readable account will correct the deficiency. – Much Recommended

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Firetrench

The first thing to say, is this book is a historical data nerds dream. While the book findings conclude half way though the book, there is a huge section on the force estimates from the notitia dignitatum. This pretty much lays out the commands, strengths, etc of the eastern Roman Empire.

It is astounding how detailed this is.

I really enjoyed this book. The detailed descriptions of where the source material comes from, was for me the highlight of the book. I am always amazed how this stuff survives.

I can see this being used by wargammers looking to build up regiments and armies of the period and also by reenactors looking to create units and regiments for living history. In fact there are several photos of reenactors in period clothing and weaponry. The author is an reenactor which seems to help provide groups of the period with a lot of useful stuff.

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Medieval Sword School, Jason Hulott

Featured 'On The Book Shelf'

Wargames Illustrated, March 2019

I came to this book not knowing too much about the battle that was said to have saved Western (Latin) civilisation from the barbarian Huns, but keen to know more. The author dedicates much time to drawing on, and debating the validity of the available sources for the battle itself and the political and cultural background. At times it is hard reading but well worth it as the author allows the reader to draw conclusions from the sometimes competing interpretations of historians and experts. As would be expected at a distance of some 15 centuries there has to be some interpretive thinking on the location of the battle and its course, but the methods used and the understanding of the chosen ground makes the delivery believable. The maps are good and the author’s photographs of the site add much to the narrative. There is also an exhaustive appendix identifying the assumed unit strengths.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy