Böcker utgivna av Helion & Company

Explores Early Modern Southeast Asian warfare, blending war elephants, firearms, sieges, and cultural traditions.Elephants and Gunpowder presents for the first time a chronological, detailed and richly illustrated account of the development of warfare in mainland Southeast Asia during the Early Modern Period. It begins by describing the region's medieval military inheritance that was dominated by the use of war elephants. Firearms began to appear during the late fourteenth century and would be used alongside elephants and cavalry in a long series of wars between Burma (Myanmar) and Siam (Thailand). Exciting sieges and dramatic naval combat are also discussed along with much fascinating material about beliefs in omens and divination and the impact of foreign mercenaries. While cannons re around them elephants act as mounts for noble hand-to-hand combat, as living battering rams to use against city gates and, in the form of the precious and much coveted white elephant, as both an excuse and a pretext for war itself. The text is complemented by a large number of carefully selected photographs, maps and specially commissioned artwork that present the arms and armaments of the Southeast Asian warrior and his elephants in a way never seen before.​​

After the Peace of Westphalia, several German states developed a disciplined 'military' that produced outstanding armies. Germany supplied mercenary troops to major and minor powers across Europe, and the military state, usually exemplified by Prussia, became a crucial part of German history.However, 'Germany' appeared weak and was divided into a multitude of states that constantly faced a hostile environment created by belligerent great powers. Additionally, the German 'militaries' were the result of a system of collective security, internal conflict and resolution that allowed a rich variety of political traditions to coexist relatively harmoniously. This system tried to preserve 'Germany' against formidable attacks without making it a threat to the security of its neighbours. In contrast to the political culture of later German states, that of the Reich was inherently defensive, preferring peace to war in both domestic politics and external relations. This study deals with the armies of the Holy Roman Empire for the first time in a single book from extensive research in archives across Germany and using previously unpublished iconography.This third and final volume of Bruno Mugnai's monumental work on the German armies of the late seventeenth century explores how armies recruited troops and further reviews the armed forces of the myriad of states within 'Germany'. The author examines the conflicts that involved the German armies during the second half of the seventeenth century. The book concludes with extensive appendices that contain a wealth of material on orders of battle, regiments, and the specifics of armies hiring troops to foreign states.

Dr. Opiyo Oloya's The Best Army Doesn't Wear Kilts offers a compelling exploration of the professionalization of Uganda's People's Defence Forces (UPDF). Drawing on the extraordinary transformation of the National Resistance Army (NRA) from a rebel group in south-central Uganda in the 1980s into a globally respected military force, this book distills ten universal lessons for organizational success.From the NRA's disciplined approach to resourcefulness and its strategic emphasis on education, adaptability, and community engagement, Oloya unpacks the guiding principles that shaped this army's journey to professionalization. With a keen focus on leadership, organizational culture, and resilience, the book highlights how a shared vision and adherence to core values transformed a fledgling movement into a force recognized for operational excellence across Africa.Rich with historical detail, Oloya contextualizes the NRA's evolution within the broader legacy of Ugandan armed forces and colonial histories, drawing parallels that resonate with modern organizations navigating complexity and change. Whether dissecting the importance of branding, the cultivation of discipline, or the need to embrace innovation and learn from past mistakes, Oloya offers a roadmap for leaders across industries.A must-read for business leaders, strategists, and history enthusiasts, The Best Army Doesn't Wear Kilts demonstrates how the principles underpinning military success can be applied to drive organizational growth and sustain competitive advantage. In a world of rapid change and uncertainty, this book inspires leaders to think boldly, act decisively, and build enduring institutions.