Spartacus Review

Title: Buffalo Soldiers: African American Troops in the US Forces 1866-1945

Author: Ron Field

Publisher: Osprey

Price: £20.00

Bookshop: Amazon

Spartacus Website: African-American Soldiers

Category: Military History

This book covers the history of African American soldiers, beginning with the American Civil War and the Plains Wars, when they were nicknamed 'Buffalo Soldiers'. It then examines their role during the age of 'American Imperialism', before distinguishing themselves in the trenches of World War I. Finally, it examines their participation in World War II, where almost half a million African Americans fought for their country, and the desegregation of the armed forces that followed.

Title: Crusader Castles in the Holy Land

Author: David Nicolle

Publisher: Osprey

Price: £11.50

Bookshop: Amazon

Spartacus Website: King Richard I

Category: Military History

The debacle of the Second Crusade in 1148 caused the Crusader States to realise the necessity of developing a more cautious strategy. The original expansionist spirit largely disappeared, and the Crusader States made priorities of strengthening their existing fortifications and towns and building new castles. These structures encompassed core aspects of Western European military architecture with the integration of rapidly developing Arab and Islamic traditions. Following Fortress 21: 'Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1097 - 1192', this book examines the design, development and defensive principles of some of the best-known Crusader fortifications and castles, including Crac des Chevaliers, Castel Blanc, Arsuf, Margat, Atlit, Montfort and Acre.