Author
Charles Oman
1860-1946
Charles Oman (1860-1946) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Charles Oman
Wellington's Army, 1809-1814
"Wellington's Army, 1809-1814" by Charles Oman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the intricacies of the British Peninsular Army during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically highlighting the period between 1809 and 1814. Oman offers insights into the organization, daily life, and psychological aspects of the army under the leadership of the Duke of Wellington, aiming to provide a thorough exploration of both the soldiers' experiences and their structural organization. At the start of the work, Oman outlines his intentions, explaining that while much has been documented about battle events, lesser-known aspects of the soldiers' lives and the army’s internal mechanisms deserve attention. He emphasizes the vast collection of personal accounts from veterans, ranging from high-ranking officials to ordinary soldiers, which provide a rich context to the army's operations. Additionally, Oman notes the significance of understanding the cultural and social dynamics within the army, and he hints at the evolving attitudes toward soldiers as the war progressed. This opening portion lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of military life and its broader implications within the historical landscape of the Peninsular War.
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 5, Oct. 1811-Aug. 31, 1812 : $b Valencia, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Madrid
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 5, Oct. 1811-Aug. 31, 1812: Valencia,..." by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1914. This fifth volume chronicles a pivotal ten-month period of the Napoleonic conflict in Iberia, covering major military campaigns at Valencia, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, and Madrid. Part of Oman's acclaimed seven-volume series, it draws on extensive primary sources including diaries, military dispatches, and national archives. The work offers balanced analysis of all powers involved while focusing on human actors rather than abstract military units.
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 3, Sep. 1809-Dec. 1810 : $b Ocaña, Cadiz, Bussaco, Torres Vedras
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 3, Sep. 1809-Dec. 1810: Ocaña, Cadiz, Bussaco, Torres Vedras" by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1908. This volume continues Oman's definitive seven-volume account of the Peninsular War, covering critical months when multiple armies clashed across the Iberian Peninsula. Through extensive research of diaries, dispatches, and personal reconnaissance of battlefields, Oman chronicles military campaigns involving Spain, Portugal, Britain, and France. His narrative focuses on human actors rather than abstract units, countering earlier biased accounts while revealing the complex warfare that shaped this pivotal conflict.
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 1, 1807-1809 : $b From the treaty of Fontainbleau to the battle of Corunna
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 1, 1807-1809: From the treaty of…" by Sir Charles Oman is a scholarly historical work published in 1902. This first volume of a seven-volume series examines the military campaigns of the Peninsular War in Iberia during the Napoleonic conflicts. Oman meticulously researched diaries, dispatches, and archives while personally visiting battlefields to counter earlier biased accounts. His Victorian prose brings equal analysis to Spanish, Portuguese, British, and French forces, focusing on individual soldiers rather than abstract military units in this thorough chronicle of warfare.
The Byzantine Empire
"The Byzantine Empire" by Charles Oman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the history of the Byzantine Empire, covering its foundation, significant events, and influential figures from its establishment to its decline. It aims to reshape the perception of the Byzantine Empire, challenging earlier views that labeled it as corrupt and stagnant, instead illustrating its rich history and contributions to civilization. The opening of the book presents a comprehensive introduction to Byzantium, recounting the establishment of the city by Greek colonists from Megara. The narrative highlights the strategic location of Byzantium, which was founded near the Bosphorus and quickly transformed into a critical commercial and military hub. Oman discusses how the city thrived through trade and military significance, with a wealth of historical anecdotes, such as its interactions with major powers like Persia and the emergence of the Athenian naval empire. This portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Byzantium's evolution and significance throughout history.
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 4, Dec. 1810-Dec. 1811 : $b Massena's retreat, Fuentes de Oñoro, Albuera, Tarragona
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 4, Dec. 1810-Dec. 1811: Massena's..." by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1911. This fourth volume chronicles a pivotal year of the Peninsular War, covering Massena's retreat and major battles including Fuentes de Onoro, Albuera, and Tarragona. Part of Oman's monumental seven-volume history, the work draws on extensive archival research and personal reconnaissance of battlefields. Oman aims to counter earlier biased accounts by presenting balanced analysis of all powers involved—Spanish, Portuguese, British, and French forces—with meticulous attention to personalities and strategic decisions.
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 6, September 1, 1812-August 5, 1813 : $b The siege of Burgos, the retreat from Burgos, the campaign of Vittoria, the battles of the Pyrenees
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 6, September 1, 1812-August 5, 1813" by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1922. This volume chronicles eleven crucial months of the Peninsular War, covering the siege of Burgos, the retreat that followed, and Wellington's advance through Spain culminating in the battle of Vittoria and fighting in the Pyrenees. Part of Oman's monumental seven-volume history, it draws on extensive primary sources and personal reconnaissance of battlefields to counter earlier biased accounts and provide balanced coverage of all powers involved.
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 2, Jan.-Sep. 1809 : $b From the battle of Corunna to the end of the Talavera campaign
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 2, Jan.-Sep. 1809: From the battle of..." by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1903. This second volume chronicles seven crucial months of the Peninsular War, covering events from Corunna through the Talavera campaign. Drawing on extensive primary sources including diaries, military dispatches, and personal reconnaissance of battlefields, Oman presents a balanced account of British, Spanish, Portuguese, and French forces. His scholarly yet engaging narrative counters earlier biased histories while bringing human actors to life against the backdrop of Napoleonic conflict in Iberia.
The Dark Ages, 476-918
"The Dark Ages, 476-918" by Charles Oman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work aims to provide a continuous narrative of European history during the formative years of the Middle Ages, covering critical events and transitions from the Fall of Rome to the early medieval period. The book sets out to fill a gap in the English historical literature by examining lesser-known aspects of this era, such as the Lombard kings and the Mohammedan invasions. The opening of the book introduces the significance of the year 476 AD, marking the transition from the Roman Empire to the rule of Odoacer, who became the first German king of Italy. Oman discusses how this event was perceived and its implications for the structure of power in Western Europe, illustrating the fragmented political landscape of the time with various tribes and their rulers. He frames Odoacer's ascendancy not just as a singular event but as part of a broader transformation in the nature of governance and identity in post-Roman Europe, foreshadowing the arrival of more formidable figures like Theodoric. This first chapter effectively establishes the context for the subsequent exploration of events that shaped the Dark Ages.
A history of England
"A History of England" by Charles Oman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive work chronicles the history of England from early Celtic and Roman times through the Anglo-Saxon period and beyond, aiming to present an accessible narrative that encompasses significant events and transformations in the nation's past. The book seeks to serve both educational purposes and the wider public interested in understanding the formation and evolution of English society and governance. The opening of the work introduces the early history of Britain, depicting the island as a landscape of woods and marshes, inhabited by primitive tribes. It describes the arrival of Celtic peoples who conquered the original inhabitants, detailing their societal structures, customs, and interactions with Roman forces led by Julius Caesar. This section sets the stage for understanding the complexities of Britain's early population, the influences of Roman civilization, and the gradual transition toward the emerging characteristics of what would become England. The narrative highlights the dynamic between various groups, the impact of invasions, and the gradual cultural developments that followed, all of which are pivotal in shaping England's identity.
Warwick, the Kingmaker
"Warwick, the Kingmaker" by Charles Oman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life and significance of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, also known as the Kingmaker, an influential figure during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses in England. The narrative seeks to illuminate Warwick's role, his familial ties, and the political dynamics that shaped this critical period in English history. The opening of the book sets the stage by highlighting the obscurity and under-recognition of Warwick’s contributions, contrasting him with contemporaries like Henry the Fifth and Richard the Third. It discusses the context of the 15th century, marked by the decline of the Lancastrian rule and the rising tensions leading to civil strife. The text emphasizes the political environment, the costs of the French wars, and the moral decay that plagued the baronage, all while introducing Warwick's background and the challenges he faced in gaining recognition and influence amidst a chaotic political landscape.
The Art of War in the Middle Ages A.D. 378-1515
"The Art of War in the Middle Ages A.D. 378-1515" by Charles Oman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into military strategies, tactics, and the evolution of warfare throughout the medieval period, offering insights into the transition from ancient Roman military practices to the rise of feudal armies. Oman examines key battles, military reforms, and the social context that influenced the art of war during this extensive timeframe. The opening of the work lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities and transformations in military history from the late Roman Empire to the early modern period. Oman discusses the decline of the Roman legions and the emergence of cavalry as a dominant force on the battlefield, particularly highlighted by the catastrophic Battle of Adrianople. This pivotal event serves as a case study for the shift in military organization and strategy, marking the transition into a new military paradigm characterized by increasing reliance on mounted troops in response to evolving threats and challenges.