Conflict and Soldiers' Literature in Early Modern Europe: The Reality of War

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In Conflict and Soldiers' Literature in Early Modern Europe, Paul Scannell analyses the late 16th-century and early 17th-century literature of warfare through the published works of English, Welsh and Scottish soldiers. The book explores the dramatic increase in printed material on many aspects of warfare; the diversity of authors, the adaptation of existing writing traditions and the growing public interest in military affairs. There is an extensive discussion on the categorisation of soldiers, which argues that soldiers' works are under-used evidence of the developing professionalism among military leaders at various levels. Through analysis of autobiographical material, the thought process behind an individual's engagement with an army is investigated, shedding light on the relevance of significant personal factors such as religious belief and the concept of loyalty. The narratives of soldiers reveal the finer details of their experience, an enquiry that greatly assists in understanding the formidable difficulties that were faced by individuals charged with both administering an army and confronting an enemy. This book provides a reassessment of early modern warfare by viewing it from the perspective of those who experienced it directly. Paul Scannell highlights how various types of soldier viewed their commitment to war, while also considering the impact of published early modern material on domestic military capability - the 'art of war'.

Reviews

Paul Scannell is to be congratulated for his timely and worthwhile contribution to our understanding of the largely grim experiences of early modern British soldiers fighting overseas. * European History Quarterly *
Scannell provides a provocative interpretation of military writings through the lens of the "public sphere" that reflects the latest historiographical trends in the field. * Mark Fissel, Professor of History Emeritus, Georgia Regents University, USA *
Paul Scannell helps to fill the void that has until now existed between studies of late medieval warfare and the English Civil Wars. In a fascinating and straightforward way he explores the war experiences of soldiers themselves, demonstrating that these sources offer a wealth of valuable detail which is frequently absent from the more official sources traditionally drawn upon by historians. From now on, historians and the general reader will turn to this book before plunging into the literature of historical debates about Elizabethan and early Stuart warfare. * Rosemary O'Day, Emeritus Professor of History, The Open University, UK *
This is an impressively comprehensive account of British soldiers experiences of war on the European continent from the time of the Dutch revolt until the Thirty Years War. Clearly written, and refreshingly free of jargon, Scannells book will be of interest to scholar and general reader alike. It has valuable things to say about a variety of topics: professional versus mercenary soldiers, the rivalry between horse and foot, battlefield motivation, the new military technology, wounds, medical treatment, turncoats, and the continuing importance of honour for soldiers and officers alike. He shows convincingly that few of those who recorded their experiences were motivated by profit or plunder. Indeed, a number of officers financed their own expeditions. Of far greater importance were loyalty, a Calvinist zeal to overthrow international Roman Catholicism, and not least, a desire to win honour and glory. * Ian Gentles, Professor of History, Tyndale University College, Canada *

Author Bio

Paul Scannell is currently serving as a Canadian Regular Army officer and has a PhD in history.