Business of War. Military enterprise and military revolution in early modern Europe

Notes:

Mostly concerns the contractor's role in military and naval materials supply largely in Continental Europe in the period 1450-1650 with some later coverage. Some coverage of England. In these years 'the delegation of military responsibility to sophisticated and extensive networks of private enterprise reached unprecedented levels. This included not only the hiring of troops but the provision of equipment, supply of food and munitions and the financing of their operations. The book reveals the extraordinary prevalence and capability of private networks of commanders, suppliers, merchants and financiers who managed the conduct of war on land and at sea, challenging the traditional assumption that reliance on mercenaries and the private sector results in corruption and inefficient military force'