Synopsis
A detailed and well illustrated study of 16th-century life during a military siege of a city. Based on a composite of several battles, this uses dramatic storytelling to show life behind the defensive wall as well as in the attacking army's camp.
VOYA
In 1585, the Dutch were fighting for independence from the Spanish Empire. Towns had to defend themselves against the Spanish army in any way they could. In Shapiro's excellent narrative of a typical battle in the Dutch revolt against the Spanish empire, the fictional Dutch town of Berkdorp is created to set the scene. A messenger brings news to the town council of approaching Spanish soldiers. The town must fortify itself against the oncoming assault with whatever resources the townspeople have. The Spanish soldiers must reach the fortress by digging a pathway of trenches, called a sap, against a barrage of artillery. The reader is given a thorough description of the action on both sides as the battle progresses. Weaponry, artillery, battle plans, fortifications, uniforms, and much more are described. The Spanish army and the Dutch Army of Flanders are detailed in alternating chapters. Certain pages feature a time line along the bottom, which provides the reader with a clear sense of the rate at which the battle progressed. Maps and drawings illustrate glossary terms and events. Although this battle never happened, the narrative provides the reader an eyewitness account of a battle in the Dutch revolt. There is not much written on military history of the Renaissance, and the depiction of a typical battle is excellent. The illustrations and short chapters will appeal to reluctant readers or to those looking for a manageable resource to add to their bibliographies. Reviewer: Victoria Vogel