Attila and the Nomad Hordes (Elite, 30)

Even if only the tip of the iceberg, Nicolle's work is certainly enjoyable for readers with only a casual interest in the subject. Despite its title, this book deals not particularly with the Huns, but with the Turco-Mongol nomads of Central Asia in general (the author adds in the forest peoples of Siberia). The influence that these hardy horsemen of the steppes had on military science and even chivalry was staggering. These people, it would seem, practically invented warfare. Even the oath on the sword taken by European knights was apparently borrowed from the nomad Turks. Nicolle's general discussion is followed by profiles of the nomad groups between the Huns and Genghis Khan (Kipchaks, Bulgars, Seljuks, Karakhanids), including cultural details (they were no mere barbarians). The color drawings were beautiful and intricate, right down to the tiny brass bells decorating the Turkic warrior's spear. Overall, it's a colorful and fascinating introduction to the nomads of Central Asia.

Of all the Osprey books I own, I think this one has gotten the most use. Packed with pictures, lots of plates by the incomparable Angus McBride, and text by David Nicolle. The book, despite its title, has little to say on the Huns but covers a number of Turkish, Mongolian, and Eurasian peoples, many of the standard and extremely successful 'horse-archer' way of life, one that has thrived for a good chunk of man's recorded history. Like so many Osprey titles, its one major flaw is that there is not enough room for all the possible information (although I have seen much worse-'Ancient Armies of the Middle East' and 'Mounted Archers of the Steppe 600 BC-AD 1300' come to mind). Other than this one inescapable issue, I could not give this book enough stars.

The title is a bit of a misnomer; The Huns are really only featured on pp. 3, 19-23, and plate B (plate commentary on p. 55-56). The book really covers the much insanely broad topic of the Turco-Mongol, Indo-European, and Finno-Ugric peoples of the steppe and forests of eastern Europe and Asia from the time of Attila to the rise of the Mongols. The book starts with an introduction (pp. 3, continued on 6-10), with a map (p. 4) and a capsule chronology (AD 220-1206, pp. 4-6). The clothing, gear, mounts, and construction common to most nomads are covered on pp. 10-19, the 12 color plates (with commentary on pp. 54-63), and in most of the photos and illustrations scattered throughout the book. Most of the remainder of the book (pp. 19-53, plus the color plates and commentary) covers the specifics of the various nomadic groups, including some narrative history. Includes a bibliography (pp. 53-54). The original 1990 edition includes abbreviated translations for the 8 color plates in French and German (pp. 63-64). Positive: 1) Nicolle is always good about providing the Museum sources for photos and illustrations, and he provides the primary literary, artistic, or archaeological sources for the illustrations in the color plates; 2) Very helpful for keeping track of which group evolved into what group (e.g. the Alan became the Ossetians, the Juan-Juan who faced the Chinese probably became the Avars in the West, the Kimaq became the Kipchaq/ Cuman/ Polovtsi). Quibbles: 1) Nicolle offers a minor pro-Attila the Hun diatribe (the Romans could be bad, too! p. 3); Nicolle’s rampant Islamophilia briefly breaks out on p. 7 (where Islam is supposedly “democratic”). If you’re looking for something on the 4th Century Huns, you might be disappointed (more like 3 stars). Most of the book only illuminates that topic by analogy. But for information on the Steppe nomads and some of their neighbors (particularly those of the northern forests, a very under-covered topic) from the 3rd Century to the early 13th Century, it’s a very nice start, more like 4.5 stars. James D. Glick PO1, USNR (ret.). APSU, Clarksville, TN

Everything about this book was great. No slanted overtly euro-centric views. Only historical facts.

Wonderful pictures, easy to read. I enjoyed reading this book.

This is a very good source for western readers to learn about the Huns without them going into to much details. It is a good source for thier tatics, weapons and other stuff. A 5/5 for this one.

Osprey books are mainly aimed at wargamers who who want to know what their armies should look like - hence the emphasis is on glossy exciting artwork. This book certainly scores in that department, and it's also well written & researched, as you'd expect from David Nicolle. He digs up a number of surprising & unusual details, eg the fact that the Huns had become an infantry army by the time they invaded Gaul & the Pechenegs being described as "clean-shaven" (funny, I thought they were famous for their shaggy beards!) Weak points include a rather amateur-looking map of the steppes which doesn't really help you to follow the text & some very poor & unclear photos (often a problem with Osprey). I was disappointed too by the lack of info about wagon laagers & (Pecheneg) war wagons. But I guess the main problem is that its trying to cover so much in too few pages. Obviously nobody's going to write an Osprey book just on the Pechenegs or the Khazars etc but it can be quite frustrating to read abook that only gives "the tip of the iceberg".

A solid book that tell us about some very tough and scary folks on horse back. (The Pope had a lot of guts staring down Atilla, who wanted to sack Rome.) Great Text in the space provided couple with some wonderful pictures.

Muy bueno

Ouvrage très documenté sur les différents peuples nomades et particulièrement intéressant sur les illustrations recherchées. Ceci permet de comprendre l'histoire méconnue.

Boken var bra