Massimo Predonzani and Vincenzo Alberici, The Italian Wars Vol 3. Francis I and the Battle of Pavia 1525 (Helion, 2021)
(Reviewed by Mike Huston for Full Paper Jacket)
The third volume in Helion’s excellent Italian Wars series focuses on the Battle of Pavia, one of the most important engagements in the 16th Century, and one with far-reaching consequences for the control of Europe.
The initial background, the reasons for the conflict, and the manoeuvres around Parma are laid out and flow smoothly into an in-depth description of the Battle of Bicocca. The reader is then taken on a short trip to Lombardy before heading to the siege of Pavia. There they are treated to the orders of battle for the opposing forces before they go charging into the Battle of Pavia. The result of the battle, in terms of casualties and the consequences for both sides on the outcome, are laid out clearly.
One of the joys of this period is the variety and colour in the soldiers’ clothing, exemplified in the section of colour plates, and there are chapters on the heraldry of Francis I and his nobles, the main Imperial captains, Charles III, and the German and Italian Black bands. The penultimate chapter delves into contemporary pictures of the battle, which will have you heading for the internet to review these valuable and beautiful resources with a more educated eye. Finally, the authors discuss the reasons for the outcome of the Battle of Pavia and the significance of the Spanish arquebusiers.
The volume is, like the others in the series, supported by a number of black and white illustrations and contemporary prints, and maps of the Battles of Bicocca and Pavia, although oddly, not Romagnano. In addition, there are eight pages of coloured illustrations of the protagonists in all their finery, which ties in with the more detailed heraldic chapters.
This book packs in a lot of detail and is recommended for those of us who don’t read Italian but who have an interest in the period, or at a minimum, just want to paint their wee soldiers in the right colours.
