Nine Years War 1593–1603 Review

I'm not getting much in the way of gaming done nor have I finished anything that's been lingering on the painting desk for weeks or months.  I do have a 'secret project' on the go but it'll have to say secret for now. I also desperately want to complete my Spanish Napoleonic army for 1808 in Denmark. I have enough troops painted for Romana's entire corps less one battalion. I didn't really need the Perry plastic Spanish but I am sure I can find a use for them somewhere? So here is another review.

Anyway......

James O’Neill’s The Nine Years War, Volume 1 is a masterclass in accessible and scholarly historical writing. Focusing on one of the most turbulent and formative periods in Irish history, O’Neill brings to life the complexities of late 16th-century Ireland with clarity, nuance, and a keen eye for military detail.

Key to this volume is O’Neill’s ability to balance the narrative with analysis. He paints vivid portraits of key figures such as Hugh O’Neill and Red Hugh O’Donnell, while also exploring the broader political and strategic context of Ireland’s resistance to English encroachment. His examination of the early phases of the war shows not just what happened, but why decisions were made, and how they shaped the course of Irish and British history.

The book benefits from O’Neill’s extensive use of both English and Irish sources, offering a more balanced perspective than many earlier works on the subject. I have to say that the author’s insights into terrain, logistics, and tactics reveal good understanding of early modern warfare, making the book especially rewarding for readers interested in military history of this period.

The book is well illustrated with eight specially-commissioned and very nice colour plates depicting soldiers and commanders of both sides. There are also a large number black and white illustrations and photographs of the battlefield and other landmarks referred to in the narrative which is always useful to the reader.

I found the book hard to put down. Well-paced, richly detailed, and backed by impressive research, The Nine Years War, Volume 1 is essential reading for anyone interested in Irish history, the Elizabethan era, or the dynamics of colonial resistance. It's a gripping and intelligent account that leaves me eagerly anticipating the next volume.

PS the picture on the front cover bears a striking resemblance to my old mate Joe Newton.

ISBN: 978-1-804515-52-5 151 pages. Paperback