[Patrick Kelly]

ISBN 962-361-087-4

I just received this book this evening. Released by Concord Publications this book is very similar to the Osprey books in format. It's 46 pages are divided evenly between text and illustrations. The book deals with the life and career of Rodrigo Diaz el Campeador, popularly known as El Cid.

The 11th century is of particular interest to me as is the career of Rodrigo Diaz in particular. The text does hit the high points of the Cid's career, as well as his complex relationship with the ruling family of Spain. (talk about people with *issues*) Although I haven't read it completely yet I suspect it mixes a bit of myth with fact. I didn't expect the text to teach me anything new and I don't think it will. I bought the book primarily for it's illustrations and it does not disappoint. I wouldn't rate the illustrations as being the equal of the well-known Angus Mcbride (my personal favorite of the artists in this genre) but they are far far better than much of what I've seen in several of Osprey's latest offerings. Although they are a bit more stylistic and comic book-like than I would prefer, ( excuse me, that's graphic novel as my oldest son is constantly telling me) they do have a unique quality that is very attractive. In fact, I wouldn't mind having portrait-size copies of several of them.

With shipping the book was around $26.00, a bit steep for a book like this. On the other hand there aren't many books illustrating this historic figure or this region during this period. We tend to get too focused on northern and central europe, and we forget that there is quite a bit of history in places like medieval Spain and Italy. In that sense this book is worth the price. I recommend it.

[David Wilson]

I recently picked up this book, myself! I haven't got into it yet, but like the rest of the series, it will be brief yet concise -- it won't take long to read but will have plenty of info in the small space.
I have most of the other titles in the series -- Ancient Armies, Ancient Celts, Barbarians, and Roman Army. These are all illustrated by Angus McBride.

[Patrick Kelly]

One thing I'm finding interesting is the spanish terms for medieval equipment: hauberk/lorigas, etc. I'm also finding that either the old Chuck Heston movie was more accurate than I had thought in it's portrayal of events or this book is out to lunch!