El Cid and the Reconquista 1050 - 1492, MAA200

El Cid and the Reconquista 1050 - 1492
(Men-at-Arms 200)

Author: David Nicolle
Illustrator: Angus McBride

Paperback; July 1988; 48 pages

About this book:
The very name El Cid sums up much of the special character of medieval Spanish warfare. It comes from the Arabic al sayyid, master or chieftain, and seems to have been given to Rodrigo de Vivar by his Muslim foes. But was it given in recognition of El Cid's victories against Islam in the 'Reconquista' - or because this Castilian nobleman was as content to serve beside the Muslims as to fight them? The story of the Christian conquest of the Iberian peninsula which gave rise to the legend of El Cid, is here examined by David Nicolle, who outlines the history, tactics, arms and armour of the period.

The Authors:
Born in 1944, David Nicolle worked in the BBC's Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years.

Angus McBride was one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, who contributed to more than 90 Osprey titles over three decades. Born in 1931 of Highland parents but orphaned as a child, he was educated at Canterbury Cathedral Choir School. He worked in advertising agencies from 1947, and after national service, emigrated to South Africa where he lived for several years before relocating to Ireland. Angus sadly passed away in 2007.

Contents:
# Introduction
# Chronology
# Christian Armies 1050-1150
# Taifa and Almoravid Armies
# Christian Armies 1150-1300
# Almohades and Andalusians 1120-1270
# 14th Century Christian Armies
# The Kingdom of Granada
# Siege, Fortification and Firearms
# The Plates