The secret services in the Middle Ages

A broad overview

One of the first qualities of this book is to provide a broad overview that what may have been be the secret services in the Middle Ages. While this synthesis appears more like a compilation of articles on this topic, it is particularly effective on the various subjects discussed to give a concise overview as complete as the practice of this "art" in the Middle Ages. After a review of the history information and special operations in antiquity and the early Middle Ages, stirring a vast area from Europe to Asia, each chapter then deals with the subject in a generally space and a period given. Thus, we find these "intelligence" of the Middle Ages through diplomacy and intrigues of the Byzantine Empire to the technical details of the Vikings not to mention even the intelligence services of the Normans in full Sicilian adventure. The highlight of the book is more than ever the story of the secret operations of William the Conqueror preparing the Battle of Hastings (1066) and de facto, the conquest of the kingdom of England.

Another view of the war in the Middle Ages

Medieval warfare is not only made up of blind and furious charges of knights clad in their heavy armor, it proves far more tactical and complex than that. This work explains a different view of the war during the medieval period. You can discover the secret war in which the authors, we find the different techniques and methods of modern information: covert operation, misinformation and intoxication, interception of mail and guerrillas, and many others. Some examples include employment by the Normans and coded secret writings or the meticulous preparation of the Viking raids leaving nothing to chance during their raids. Moreover, the authors do not skimp on anecdotes to illustrate and enrich their context, thus a pleasure to discover the tricks of brilliant strategists as Byzantine Belisarius.

In conclusion

Written by the military, secret services in the Middle Ages offers a clear overview and easy access to the public on this "art" little known. Comparisons can be made to the contemporary reader of significant landmarks - even though the historian may be embarrassed. We will miss only the absence of a true bibliography deal with a few footnotes page. We would also have liked more information on practical cases such as the chapter on preparing for the battle of Hastings, resembling a small Art of War Sun Tzu and so resonant as a lesson in medieval strategy.

Eric and Jean Deuve Denécé, secret services in the Middle Ages , Editions Ouest-France, Rennes, 2011.