| Synopsis: |
This book describes the fighting techniques of the armies of East Asia, from the age of the Mongol expansion in the thirteenth century to the Anglo-Chinese Opium Wars of the mid-nineteenth century. The book explores the tactics and strategy required to win battles with the technology available, and illustrates how the development of such weapons changed the way battles were fought. In the first chapter, the book considers the key role of infantry at the battles of Tumu (1449), Maymyo (1767), Kawanakajima (1561) and Nagashino (1575). The uses and merits of spearmen and archers are explored, and the revolutionary impact of gunpowder weapons examined. The second chapter looks at the creation of the cavalry army by the Mongols and the crucial development of the horse archer as a key battlefield element at encounters such as Vochan (1277). Using examples such as Kalka River (1223) and Hansando (1592), the third chapter discusses the command structures and development of new technologies and tactics to defeat seemingly more numerous foes.In an era of fortifications, the fourth chapter examines the employment and development of siege weapons, from the'Crouching Tiger' catapult to advanced mortars, at sieges such as Xiangyang (1267), Chinju (1592) and Osaka (1615). The final chapter analyzes the development of naval warfare, examining key encounters at Lake Poyang (1363), Sacheon (1592) and Wusung River (1842). Using specially-commissioned colour maps and black-and-white artworks to illustrate the battles, equipment and tactics of the region, Fighting Techniques of the Oriental World explores the methods by which the great commanders- such as Genghis Khan, Oda Nobunaga and Admiral Yi Sun - won battles and campaigns, and why others were less successful. The book is an essential companion for anyone interested in warfare in East Asia. |