Castagnaro 1387

A highly illustrated study of the medieval Italian battle of Castagnaro, the famous English condottiere captain Sir John Hawkwood's greatest victory.

The battle of Castagnaro, fought on 11 March 1387 between the Veronese and the Paduans, was one of the few Italian medieval conflicts known in the English-speaking world thanks to the exploits of the renowned English mercenary (or condottiero) captain, Sir John Hawkwood. Commanding the Paduan army, he led them to a stunning victory.

This new study challenges the conventional story of the battle, relocating it to the other side of the Adige River, and showing that Hawkwood was no mere disciple of his previous commander, the Black Prince--he was a highly talented and intelligent general in his own right. Using specially commissioned full-color artwork, this fascinating book shows how Hawkwood used his own acumen, and the training, skills and discipline of his very experienced condottieri, to defeat his opponents at Castagnaro.

About the Authors

Kelly DeVries holds a PhD from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto. He is professor of history at Loyola University Maryland and has most recently written Medieval Weapons- An Illustrated History of their Impact (2007) and The Artillery of the Dukes of Burgundy, 1363-1477 (2006), both with Robert Douglas Smith.

Count Niccol 2 Capponi is a part of Florence's living history. His family has been in the city since the thirteenth century and he is a historian. After earning a PhD in military history from the University of Padova, he returned to Florence where he currently teaches political science and the history of Florence to Americans studying abroad.