A Guide to British Military History: The Subject and the Sources

by Ian F. W. Beckett

Overview

What exactly is military history? Forty years ago it meant battles, campaigns, great commanders, drums and trumpets. It was largely the preserve of military professionals and was used to support national history and nationalism. Now, though, the study of war has been transformed by the war and society approach, by the examination of identity, memory and gender, and a less Euro-centric and more global perspective. Generally it is recognised that war and conflict must be integrated into the wider narrative of historical development, and this is why Ian Becketts research guide is such a useful tool for anyone working in this growing field. It introduces students to all the key debates, issues and resources. While European and global perspectives are not neglected, there is an emphasis on the British experience of war since 1500. This survey of British military history will be essential reading and reference for anyone who has a professional or amateur interest in the subject, and it will be a valuable introduction for newcomers to it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473856653
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Military
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	635 KB

About the Author

Ian F. W. Beckett & Steven J. Corvi are both authors and military historians.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations vi

Introduction 1

Part I Contexts 3

1 The Historiographical Context 5

2 The Methodological Context 23

3 The British Context 51

Part II Research Areas and Issues 65

4 1500-1702 67

5 1702-1815 84

6 1815-1914 109

7 From 1914 141

Part III Resources 199

8 Teaching and Research Centres 201

9 Reference Works 205

10 Journals 208

11 Publishers' Academic Series 212

12 Archives 214

13 Published Primary and Digital Resources 219

14 Practicalities 222

Index 223

Editorial Reviews

"This survey of British military history will be essential reading and reference for anyone who has a professional or amateur interest in the subject, and it will be a valuable introduction for newcomers to it."

The Armourer

"You will discover a multitude of sources and different bits of information on aspects of military events related to our best enemies. It's very well done, especially the index of twenty pages which easily retrieves the authors cited work throughout."

VaeVictis

This survey of British military history will be essential reading and reference for anyone who has a professional or amateur interest in the subject, and it will be a valuable introduction for newcomers to it.

Armourer