"The book reads like one of the passionate Victorian history books so it is a very good read and given the paucity of general readership books on the subject it is worth having."

Stephen Ede-Borrett, The Pike and Shot Society

Waterson paints a picture of a very impressive dynasty, one that was able to deal with threat of the Mongols, end the last Crusader states and weather the storm of Tamerlane, before eventually falling to the Ottomans, who had their own slave troops in the shape of the Janissaries.

Read the Full Review Here

History of War

I should start with the fact that I sadly know little about this part of history, the medieval period of the Middle East. But I can say after reading this book, what an enjoyable and informative book it was to read. The book looks at a number of things such as the rise and power of the Mamluks, a determined and very highly skilled warrior skilled in warfare being able to handle multiple weapons and skills of attack and defence. The book also looks at the relationship between Islam and the Christians and how the strength of the Mamluks had an important but underplayed role in the Middle East. The book answers a lot of excellent questions and explains a number of reasons and possibilities. But whilst I can’t say everything made sense to me, as it is not an area I would call myself an expert in. What it has done is made me want to learn more about Middle Eastern politics and people. I really enjoyed the maps and timelines at the beginning of the book, as a newbie they really helped put the information into perspective. A really informative and excellent read.

Read the full review here

The History Fella

A truly fascinating book about a very special group of people. James Waterson makes as clear as possible the complex history of the Middle East from 1250-1517 focusing on the Mamluks. So many influences, not least that of religion, were at work over much of Asia which led to considerable flux and conflict. Who was on the move Mongols, Turkomen, Crusaders? Who was leading them? What internal disputes did every group have at what time? For a significant period the Mamluks were unbeatable even when greatly out numbered how was this possible? Their demise is as interesting as their creation and being. This book answers so many important questions which keep the reader interested from cover to cover.
The well written text is supported by a set of useful maps, some beautiful illustrations and a strong bibliography.
This is a remarkable book which we highly recommend.

Read the full review here

Clash of Steel

The book provides lots of snippets from other sources too. I found a British Library page on one Mamluk treaty of Horsemanship which covers both military tqctics and weapon use, as well as trick riding for events and shows. If you are a student of military history, and combat systems, you need to be reading this book.

Read the full review here

Medieval Sword School