Jeremy Black is one of the most prolific military historians around, publishing 5 books a year and editing numerous series for various publishers.

This is a key period in military history with huge developments in the logistics of war combined with exploration and colonial expansion.

This brief and deft analysis of this period will be very welcome in the field.

Black Includes social and political developments and consequences, and emphasizes the diversity of European developments.

Black gives due weight to the operational character and military dynamic of war - unlike the pure 'war and society' approach which almost demilitarizes military history.