Description:
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
About the Author
CHRISTA HOOK began her illustrating career in 1986, after studying under her father Richard Hook. Her work has featured extensively in the worlds of publishing and television. She has established herself as one of Osprey's most popular artists, having illustrated multiple series titles. Her illustrations combine the historian's attention to detail with the artist's sense of drama and atmosphere, and they are sought after by collectors worldwide. Christa lives and works in East Sussex, England.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars as advertized.
as advertized.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Janissaries
Another worthy elite title from Osprey publishing, written by David Nicolle, an expert in Eastern military history, and colorfully illustrated by the talented Christa Hook. This book takes a detailed and intimate look at the Janissaries, converted slaves who formed the elite of the army of the Turkish Ottoman Empire between the late 1300's and the early 1600's.
4.0 out of 5 stars Another one of Osprey's helpful "cliff notes" for a military history topic
Another one of Osprey's helpful "cliff notes" for a military history topic (64 pages, including illustrations and photographs).Negative Criticisms: I would have liked more detail on how and why the elite Janissaries turned into the caricatured jokes of the 18th Century (actually before then, but when?) Nicolle briefly discussed from possible causes from time to time (e.g. over-expansion of the force, recruitment by nepotism, declining training standards) but I'd have like to seen that discussed in more detail. If those were the causes, why were they allowed to happen? Hard data (statistics), which I assume exists--Janissary records seem to be well preserved---would have helped here.Quibbles: A one page chronology would have helped. The 4-star rating assumes you can get past Dr. Nicolle's raging Islamophilia e.g., when he explains that enslaving already oppressed people really wasn't that bad (pp. 3-4). I expect it by now, but YMMV.James GlickPO1, USNR (ret.)Clarksville, TN
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Source for the Cenissaries.
This is a good source of information about thier lives and their ways as well as their units. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the period or the empire. While my field falls away from this as, I would recommend it in a heart beat just to show how they dressed and acted as well as thier units and weapons. A 5/5 for me.
3.0 out of 5 stars Good facts, poor writing, and lost in translation
Let me start simple, something the author fails to do. I like this book. It covers a lot of information, from the formation of the Janissaries and different theories about early 14th Century Ottoman politics. The author provides photographs of locations he himself has taken, and so I can trust his research led him to these great spots in Turkey and the Balkans. There are also photographs from museums or references to medieval manuscripts which deal with the text. In short, he covers a lot, and he knows it well.However, he fails to communicate it. I've spent the past two years studying Eastern European and Turkish politics in the 14th and 15th Centuries. As this culture is quite different from our own (and indeed, is a mixture of many different overlapping and somewhat conflicting cultures) I feel it is important to clarify information for different audiences. When five obscure military units (from different countries) are mentioned within a very small and dense paragraph, and none of them are explained, save that they all functioned loosely within a two hundred year period of time, I have issues. The author does nit explain how these units overlapped, what their functions were, or quite how they influenced the forming of the Janissaries.Also, chronology nonexistent in this. In the section dealing with the formation of the formation of the Janissaries, the author randomly jumps around from 13th Century Dervishes to 18th Century political strife. This kind of inconsistency not only proves confusing, but also begs the question of what the later events have to do with the formation of an army in the 14th Century.Overall, the book i good, if not great. The author knows his facts, just not how to clearly present them.
3.0 out of 5 stars Could be better.
The author assumes you have advanced knowledge of the ottoman military. The only other units within the ottoman empire I'm familiar with are mamluks and azapi so I was pretty lost when several others where mentioned without explanation. The whole method of recruitment and assimilation fascinates me but this book was hard to submerse into and left me with more questions.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good
This is certainly one of the best volumes in the Osprey Elite Series. Author David Nicole gives an excellent overview of the Janissary corps of the Ottoman army, without the usual western European bias. The chapters: Origin and evolution of the Janissary corps - Recruitment and training - Ottoman army infantry forces - Uniforms and weaponry - Strategy and tactics - Promotion, pay and morale - Support, services and other duty - Other infantry forces. The book is no easy reading, as David Nicole uses the correct Turkish terms for weapons, army units and the like; but he explains all terms, so with a little bit of effort one can follow his thoughts and learn a lot. The illustrations by Christa Hook are of outstanding quality. The book should even interest readers who are already familiar with the subject.
Les Janissaires
EXCELLENT & incontournable pour l'amateur d'Histoire ! Superbe digest clair net bref concis précis, splendidement illustré ! Je recommande cet ouvrage sans aucune réserve - ainsi que les autres publications de David Nicolle, illustrées par les superbes tableaux de Christa Hook !
great images
A lot of great images and explanations/information about the structure of janissariesI can recommand for everybody who is interessted in Ottoman history and espicailly on this elite forces of the Ottoman empire.
Three Stars
Usual osprey fare
Visit the Osprey Publishing Store
The Janissaries (Elite, 58)
AED14062
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
More from this brand
Similar items from “Turkey”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U185532413K
Visit the Osprey Publishing Store
The Janissaries (Elite, 58)
AED14062
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
About the Author
CHRISTA HOOK began her illustrating career in 1986, after studying under her father Richard Hook. Her work has featured extensively in the worlds of publishing and television. She has established herself as one of Osprey's most popular artists, having illustrated multiple series titles. Her illustrations combine the historian's attention to detail with the artist's sense of drama and atmosphere, and they are sought after by collectors worldwide. Christa lives and works in East Sussex, England.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars as advertized.
as advertized.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Janissaries
Another worthy elite title from Osprey publishing, written by David Nicolle, an expert in Eastern military history, and colorfully illustrated by the talented Christa Hook. This book takes a detailed and intimate look at the Janissaries, converted slaves who formed the elite of the army of the Turkish Ottoman Empire between the late 1300's and the early 1600's.
4.0 out of 5 stars Another one of Osprey's helpful "cliff notes" for a military history topic
Another one of Osprey's helpful "cliff notes" for a military history topic (64 pages, including illustrations and photographs).Negative Criticisms: I would have liked more detail on how and why the elite Janissaries turned into the caricatured jokes of the 18th Century (actually before then, but when?) Nicolle briefly discussed from possible causes from time to time (e.g. over-expansion of the force, recruitment by nepotism, declining training standards) but I'd have like to seen that discussed in more detail. If those were the causes, why were they allowed to happen? Hard data (statistics), which I assume exists--Janissary records seem to be well preserved---would have helped here.Quibbles: A one page chronology would have helped. The 4-star rating assumes you can get past Dr. Nicolle's raging Islamophilia e.g., when he explains that enslaving already oppressed people really wasn't that bad (pp. 3-4). I expect it by now, but YMMV.James GlickPO1, USNR (ret.)Clarksville, TN
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Source for the Cenissaries.
This is a good source of information about thier lives and their ways as well as their units. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the period or the empire. While my field falls away from this as, I would recommend it in a heart beat just to show how they dressed and acted as well as thier units and weapons. A 5/5 for me.
3.0 out of 5 stars Good facts, poor writing, and lost in translation
Let me start simple, something the author fails to do. I like this book. It covers a lot of information, from the formation of the Janissaries and different theories about early 14th Century Ottoman politics. The author provides photographs of locations he himself has taken, and so I can trust his research led him to these great spots in Turkey and the Balkans. There are also photographs from museums or references to medieval manuscripts which deal with the text. In short, he covers a lot, and he knows it well.However, he fails to communicate it. I've spent the past two years studying Eastern European and Turkish politics in the 14th and 15th Centuries. As this culture is quite different from our own (and indeed, is a mixture of many different overlapping and somewhat conflicting cultures) I feel it is important to clarify information for different audiences. When five obscure military units (from different countries) are mentioned within a very small and dense paragraph, and none of them are explained, save that they all functioned loosely within a two hundred year period of time, I have issues. The author does nit explain how these units overlapped, what their functions were, or quite how they influenced the forming of the Janissaries.Also, chronology nonexistent in this. In the section dealing with the formation of the formation of the Janissaries, the author randomly jumps around from 13th Century Dervishes to 18th Century political strife. This kind of inconsistency not only proves confusing, but also begs the question of what the later events have to do with the formation of an army in the 14th Century.Overall, the book i good, if not great. The author knows his facts, just not how to clearly present them.
3.0 out of 5 stars Could be better.
The author assumes you have advanced knowledge of the ottoman military. The only other units within the ottoman empire I'm familiar with are mamluks and azapi so I was pretty lost when several others where mentioned without explanation. The whole method of recruitment and assimilation fascinates me but this book was hard to submerse into and left me with more questions.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good
This is certainly one of the best volumes in the Osprey Elite Series. Author David Nicole gives an excellent overview of the Janissary corps of the Ottoman army, without the usual western European bias. The chapters: Origin and evolution of the Janissary corps - Recruitment and training - Ottoman army infantry forces - Uniforms and weaponry - Strategy and tactics - Promotion, pay and morale - Support, services and other duty - Other infantry forces. The book is no easy reading, as David Nicole uses the correct Turkish terms for weapons, army units and the like; but he explains all terms, so with a little bit of effort one can follow his thoughts and learn a lot. The illustrations by Christa Hook are of outstanding quality. The book should even interest readers who are already familiar with the subject.
Les Janissaires
EXCELLENT & incontournable pour l'amateur d'Histoire ! Superbe digest clair net bref concis précis, splendidement illustré ! Je recommande cet ouvrage sans aucune réserve - ainsi que les autres publications de David Nicolle, illustrées par les superbes tableaux de Christa Hook !
great images
A lot of great images and explanations/information about the structure of janissariesI can recommand for everybody who is interessted in Ottoman history and espicailly on this elite forces of the Ottoman empire.
Three Stars
Usual osprey fare
More from this brand
Similar items from “Turkey”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U185532413K