Sieges

.Watson presents five sieges for detailed analysis. The author utilizes the methodology John Keegan developed to define sieges as a form of battle and to explore the categories of combat--those relationships of men versus weapons and the commitment to battle on the part of the contestants--which determined the outcome of battles and wars. Watson's unique study is a contribution to the study of siege warfare and provides a background for understanding the Gulf War--which, Watson shows, was a siege--as well as contemporary global conflict.

The sieges--Jerusalem, Malta, Sebastopol, Kut-al-Amara, and Singapore--are analyzed in great detail. From his analysis, Watson developes a set of characteristics of sieges that is useful for understanding the siege--a form of battle that has been with us for a long time and that will remain a major element of modern warfare. Students of military history and tactics--buffs and professionals--will find value and entertainment in this provocative study.

Watson presents five sieges for detailed analysis. The author utilizes the methodology John Keegan developed to define sieges as a form of battle and to explore the "categories of combat"--those relationships of men versus weapons and the commitment to battle on the part of the contestants--which determined the outcome of battles and wars. Watson's unique study is a contribution to the study of siege warfare and provides a background for understanding the Gulf War--which, Watson shows, was a siege--as well as contemporary global conflict. The sieges--Jerusalem, Malta, Sebastopol, Kut-al-Amara, and Singapore--are analyzed in great detail. From his analysis, Watson developes a set of characteristics of sieges that is useful for understanding the siege--a form of battle that has been with us for a long time and that will remain a major element of modern warfare. Students of military history and tactics--buffs and professionals--will find value and entertainment in this provocative study.

Booknews

Compares five sieges from different times and places to articulate the constants and variables they exhibit. A particular emphasis is the how the confined spaces involved affect the manner of fighting and human conduct, expectations, and even perceptions. The sieges are Jerusalem in the First Crusade, 16th- century Malta, 19th-century Sebastopol, Kut-al-Amara in World War I, and Singapore in World War II. Glances at Dien Bien Phu and Kuwait apply the findings to recent sieges. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

BRUCE ALLEN WATSON is Emeritus Professor, History of Art, and past chairman, Division of Applied and Fine Arts, Diablo Valley College.