Two British Civil Wars Titles

Two for the price of one this time.

Novelty and Change, edited by Charles Singleton, is a fascinating anthology that delves into the British Civil Wars and 17th century military history. It is published as part of Helion’s Century of the Soldier 1618-1721 series. Originating from the 2023 Century of the Soldier Conference at the University of Worcester, this collection brings together much in the way of fresh research and perspectives.

The volume features a diverse array of papers, including Professor Peter Wilson's keynote on the interplay of novelty and continuity in European warfare between 1618 and 1721. Other notable contributions explore Civil War fortifications, the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold, dragoon warfare in the Welsh borders, and Montrose's army from 1644 to 1646.

The editor has three decades of experience dedicated to the study of pike and shot warfare, and has curated a work that is both informative and engaging. For scholars and enthusiasts of 17th century military history, Novelty and Change offers valuable insights and a wealth of new information.

ISBN 978-1-804516-28-7. Soft covers 217 pages.

This is another excellent addition to Helion’s ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series, examining the logistics, arms, ammunition, clothing, victuals and material of war during the period 1645-1646, and another bite-sized examination of a discrete part of the British Civil Wars. War might be won on the battlefield, but it is lost in the logistics. Supplying the New Model Army by Helion regular Andrew Abraham dives into the crux of any successful military campaign: keeping soldiers fed, clothed, armed, and, when things really start to go bad, paid. As you will find from the narrative, the New Model Army didn’t always get that last part.

This book isn’t about the glamour of cavalry charges or the glory of battlefield tactics. Instead, it tackles the far messier, bureaucratic, and deeply human struggle of keeping England’s first professional army operational. From grain shipments to gunpowder stockpiles, it explores how Parliament managed to keep its troops in the fight, even when funds were short and suppliers were ‘reluctant’ to participate.

Helion’s usual high standard of research is on display here, packed with fascinating details about the army’s supply chain, the people behind it, and the occasional disasters that ensued. If you’ve ever wanted to know how Civil War-era quartermasters balanced ledgers and dodged angry merchants, this book has you covered.

That said, while the content is rich and illuminating, it does lean into the academic side of things a little but that does not detract from the overall narrative. This book is essential for anyone fascinated by the nuts and bolts of 17th century warfare. The New Model Army may have revolutionised military organisation , but Supplying the New Model Army proves that even the most disciplined force in England still struggled with late deliveries and unpaid bills. Some things never change.

ISBN 978-1-804515-49-5. Hard covers 311 pages