Great Units of Military History: Twelve of the Greatest most renown military fighting forces and creeds of history
About this audiobook
The book "Great Units of Military History" stands out as a captivating account that skilfully intertwines stories of bravery and tactics within the vast scope of military history. As the author, I understand that there is a certain level of subjectivity involved in choosing the twelve most distinguished warrior units. My personal historical knowledge and comprehension influence my decisions, no matter how thoroughly researched they may be. I apologise for any significant exclusions, acknowledging that the extensive realm of military history may contain other units of comparable magnificence and skill that I myself are still yet to learn of, in particular from the regions like China as well as Oceania, North & Central America prior to colonisations.
This book serves as an invitation to embark on a chronological expedition, delving into the enormous influence that these distinguished units have exerted on the trajectory of global history. Their narratives encompass more than mere accounts of warfare and victories; they serve as evidence of human bravery, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to achieving greatness. Every chosen unit has made an enduring impact on historical records, profoundly influencing the current state of the planet.
The target demographic for this book consists of intellectually curious individuals in the early stages of adulthood who are on the cusp of entering higher education institutions. It is designed for intellectually curious people who have a strong desire to explore the more obscure aspects of history. The information presented in these pages is not limited to academic pursuits; it acts as a conduit for comprehending the intricacies of human conflicts and the development of warfare. For individuals who want to enhance their interactions and broaden their ideas with historical knowledge, it is a valuable resource.
Furthermore, this book caters to a wide range of age groups, not solely the young. This statement serves as a strong and urgent appeal to all individuals who hold a steadfast belief in the enduring significance of education. "Great Units of Military History" provides a novel viewpoint on the martial races and their legendary achievements, appealing to both experienced historians, military enthusiasts, and those with a casual interest in history. This presents a chance to acquire knowledge, contemplate, and acknowledge the exceptional intellectual acumen and unwavering determination of the most outstanding military formations that have ever traversed the annals of history.
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About the author
From the moment I first opened a history book as a child, I was captivated by the stories of the past: empires rising and falling, extraordinary personalities confronting impossible circumstances, great battles turning upon unexpected decisions, and ordinary people finding themselves caught within events far larger than themselves. History never seemed to me a dry collection of names and dates. It was the greatest collection of human stories ever assembled.
That fascination remained with me throughout my life and eventually found expression in my own writing. My historical books are written particularly with younger readers and newcomers to a subject in mind. Rather than attempting to reproduce the detail and academic depth of specialist histories, I try to provide an accessible doorway into a period, personality or conflict — enough context to understand what happened, why it mattered and, I hope, enough excitement to encourage the reader to discover more for themselves.
Many of my books explore military history, empires, great commanders and the people whose decisions changed the course of events. They are intended for curious younger readers, including pre-higher-education teenagers, while remaining accessible to adults encountering a subject for the first time. My aim is simple: to tell the story clearly without allowing unnecessary detail to overwhelm the adventure, tragedy and humanity that first made history fascinating to me.
Storytelling, however, extends beyond history. My collections of traditional fairy tales have become another important part of my writing. Drawn from different cultures and storytelling traditions, the tales are adapted for modern young readers while attempting to preserve their wonder, humour, adventure and moral purpose. Where older versions sometimes imposed extraordinarily harsh punishments upon their villains, I have often preferred consequences involving repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation or banishment, while retaining enough danger and mischief to make the stories exciting.
Some of these short tales deliberately leave questions unanswered. A fairy tale does not always need to explain everything. A child asking “Why did she do that?” or “Do you think he deserved to be forgiven?” can be part of the purpose of the story. I hope such questions encourage conversations between children and their parents, because the interpretation a parent brings to a tale — and the discussion that follows — may ultimately be more valuable than my own.
Whether writing about a battlefield, an emperor, a legendary hero or an enchanted kingdom, I return to much the same principle: tell a good story, make it accessible, encourage curiosity, and leave the reader wanting to know more.
