The Landsknecht (meaning 'servant of the country') flourished during a
key period for military organisation and practice. In the late 15th
century, the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, recruited thousands of
mercenaries from Central and Northern Europe, with the aim of creating a
reliable source of men for his armies - and the Landsknecht were born.
This book reveals the true-life experiences of the Landsknecht soldier
during conflicts such as those of the Italian Wars (1494-1559), using
numerous first-hand accounts. It takes a close look at the recruitment,
training, daily life and and careers of these formidable soldiers, and
examines in detail their clothing, equipment and weaponry. Many fine,
contemporary illustrations, some drawn by Landsknecht themselves,
accompany the text.