The Military Revolution

Well before the Industrial Revolution, Europe developed the superior military potential and expertise that enabled her to dominate the world for the next two centuries. In this attractively illustrated and updated edition, Geoffrey Parker discusses the major changes in the military practice of the West during this time period--establishment of bigger armies, creation of superior warships, the role of firearms--and argues that these major changes amounted to a "military revolution" that gave Westerners a decided advantage over people of other continents. A new chapter addresses the controversies engendered by the previous edition.

“"...this is a genuinely admirable book, and every student of military history, whatever his specialization, ought to read it cover to cover....Re-reading Parker's Military Revolution I am again struck by its brilliance, range and craft; by ambition fulfilled....A second, updated edition of Geoffrey Parker's The Military Revolution deserves a warm and thoughtful welcome by all historians. An author of rare linguistic range and command of primary sources, his masterful ability to construct comparisons and unearth new data has compelled many who would not call themselves military historians to take the "Military Revolution" paradigm (and military history) seriously...a seminal work." The Journal of Military History”

From reviews of the first edition (1988): '... a work of superb scholarship ... a brisk and engaging account that illuminates virtually every aspect of warfare in this watershed period.' Gordon A. Craig, New York Review of Books '... a succinct but dense study with the rare distinction of being packed with information, rich in argument, and yet well organized and clear.' John Childs, The Times Literary Supplement '... a major work of military historiography which will influence the outlook of Professor Parker's fellow practitioners for years to come.' John Keegan, The Daily Telegraph 'Parker's Military Revolution has produced the most sophisticated debate in the entire field of military history.' John Lynn

Parker is the Andreas Dopalen Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio State University.

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