I just thought to pass along the information on the basis of which I just ordered this book. On the Medieval Total War site, there is a list of recommended books. "Aurelian" says about this one and its companion volume: "These volumes are an encyclopedic look at the weapons, tactics, troop types and personalities of medieval warfare. Heavily illustrated with period art, architecture and weaponry. Both volumes would be very valuable to anyone interested in ... learning about the era." He adds that Nichols writes many of the Osprey books on medieval warfare. I hope this little bit of info will be helpful to you.