Armour Never Wearies is the first volume to bring together all the hitherto scattered evidence – archaeological, literary and artistic – for the forms and uses of scale and lamellar armours in the region west of the Ural Mountains throughout the 3,500 years during which these armours were used. The interpretation of this data is informed by the author’s long practical experience as a maker of arms and armour, martial artist and horseman. It offers systematic definitions and analysis of these often misunderstood forms of armour, along with detailed diagrams and instructions that will be of great use to any who wish to turn their hands to reconstruction. Along the way, this unique synthesis of evidence and interpretation debunks some myths that have arisen in recent years.
Timothy Dawson can rightly be considered an authority with everything that concerns the Levant, Byzantium and also its influences on the West. This book contains an exhaustive, very detailed account on most occurrences of lamellar armour west of Byzantium, including, but not limited to the famous Niederstotzingen find, many Eastern finds and an account of the much-disputed lamellar finds from Birka and those of Wisby.
A great scholarly look at lamellar and scale armour in the Western world. An excellent book for those interested in re-enactment, but more detail could have been given on types of lamellae used in different time periods.
The book is very well illustrated with clear designs and several colour plates to show some of the various types of armour and there construction methods. While very clear and interesting, I feel that more illustrations of the varieties as used by different cultures would have been useful.
The main drawback of this book is that it is very dry. It does not have the wealth of information required in each section to make it a full reference book, but lacks the flow and narrative to make it interesting for the casual reader, I felt it was a more a summarised version of a longer dull work, and tries to appeal to all, but often misses the mark. A few case studies could have made it more light and generally interesting or more facts and figures could have made it more academic.
Overall it did hold my interest and I do feel I learned from it. Whether you are are re-enactor, a history student with interest in the development of this versatile armour, or just someone interested in thoroughly researched books on historical topics, this volume could be for you.
Book: Armour Never Wearies
Author: Timothy Dawson
Review by Joe Medhurst