Renaissance Polish Armies 1492-1569
This fully illustrated study assesses the armies of Poland-Lithuania at war in the first half of the 16th century, during the transition from feudal to standing forces.

Against a background of almost continual warfare, the 80 years after 1492 witnessed the slow transformation of Polish-Lithuanian forces from feudal levies to standing armies. The bloody struggle between Poles, Lithuanians, Hungarians, Muscovites, Cossacks, Turks and Tatars culminated in the Union of Lublin in 1569, uniting the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

This crucial period in Polish military history saw the introduction and development of famous troop categories such as the Polish hussars, and a tactical transformation with the introduction of foot and mounted hand-gunners to replace crossbowmen. Drawing upon a wealth of sources, the author explains the social and ethnic composition of armies and their methods of recruitment; their organizational structure, and that of units of different troop categories; their weapons, armour and equipment; their strategies and tactics; and campaign life.

In this engaging book, specially commissioned artwork and rare illustrations combine with authoritative text to bring this under-researched subject to life for an English-language audience.
1147282019
Renaissance Polish Armies 1492-1569
This fully illustrated study assesses the armies of Poland-Lithuania at war in the first half of the 16th century, during the transition from feudal to standing forces.

Against a background of almost continual warfare, the 80 years after 1492 witnessed the slow transformation of Polish-Lithuanian forces from feudal levies to standing armies. The bloody struggle between Poles, Lithuanians, Hungarians, Muscovites, Cossacks, Turks and Tatars culminated in the Union of Lublin in 1569, uniting the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

This crucial period in Polish military history saw the introduction and development of famous troop categories such as the Polish hussars, and a tactical transformation with the introduction of foot and mounted hand-gunners to replace crossbowmen. Drawing upon a wealth of sources, the author explains the social and ethnic composition of armies and their methods of recruitment; their organizational structure, and that of units of different troop categories; their weapons, armour and equipment; their strategies and tactics; and campaign life.

In this engaging book, specially commissioned artwork and rare illustrations combine with authoritative text to bring this under-researched subject to life for an English-language audience.
16.0 Pre Order
Renaissance Polish Armies 1492-1569

Renaissance Polish Armies 1492-1569

Renaissance Polish Armies 1492-1569

Renaissance Polish Armies 1492-1569

eBook

$16.00 
Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on March 26, 2026

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers


Overview

This fully illustrated study assesses the armies of Poland-Lithuania at war in the first half of the 16th century, during the transition from feudal to standing forces.

Against a background of almost continual warfare, the 80 years after 1492 witnessed the slow transformation of Polish-Lithuanian forces from feudal levies to standing armies. The bloody struggle between Poles, Lithuanians, Hungarians, Muscovites, Cossacks, Turks and Tatars culminated in the Union of Lublin in 1569, uniting the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

This crucial period in Polish military history saw the introduction and development of famous troop categories such as the Polish hussars, and a tactical transformation with the introduction of foot and mounted hand-gunners to replace crossbowmen. Drawing upon a wealth of sources, the author explains the social and ethnic composition of armies and their methods of recruitment; their organizational structure, and that of units of different troop categories; their weapons, armour and equipment; their strategies and tactics; and campaign life.

In this engaging book, specially commissioned artwork and rare illustrations combine with authoritative text to bring this under-researched subject to life for an English-language audience.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781472867575
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date: 03/26/2026
Series: Men-at-Arms , #568
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 48

About the Author

Adrian Jamka has a master's degree in archaeology from the University of Lódz. His extensive research into Renaissance Polish armies draws upon both early and recent scholarly sources, including remarkable survivals of period military manuals and unit muster rolls.

Raffaele Ruggeri was born in Bologna where he still works and lives. He has long been interested in military history and has illustrated a number of books for Osprey.
Adrian Jamka has a master's degree in archaeology from the University of Lódz . His work draws upon both early and recent scholarly sources, including remarkable survivals of period military manuals and unit muster rolls.
Raffaele Ruggeri was born in Bologna where he still works and lives. After studying at the Fine Arts Academy, he worked in several areas of graphics and design before deciding to devote himself to illustration. He has long been interested in military history and has illustrated a number of books for Osprey including MAA 547, Roman Army Units in the Eastern Provinces (2) and CBT 55, Roman Legionary vs Gallic Warrior.

Table of Contents

[subject to confirmation]
Introduction
Chronology
Structure and organization of Polish armies
Recruitment
Structure and organization of units
Social and ethnic composition
Arms and equipment of different troop types
Strategy, deployments,and tactics in the field
Camp life
Bibliography
Plate commentaries
Index
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews