Confrontation of Kings, 1656, the Three-Day Battle of Warsaw during the Swedish Deluge (1655 – 1660), offers an insightful examination of this historic conflict. The Battle of Warsaw in 1656 was a pivotal three-day event that saw the Swedish forces clash with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth amidst the turmoil of the Swedish Deluge. In Confrontation of Kings, 1656, respected authors Michael Fredholm von Essen and Michał Paradowski provide readers with a comprehensive account of this significant encounter, combining thorough research with engaging narrative. This work serves as both an informative resource and an enjoyable read.
The book provides a detailed account of the battle, including tactics, troop movements, and battlefield conditions, while maintaining focus on the human element. Through thorough research, the authors offer insights into significant figures such as King Charles X of Sweden, Polish King John II Casimir, and Frederick William of Brandenburg, who influenced the battle's outcome. The narrative likens the battle to a chess match or tabletop wargame, incorporating political manoeuvring alongside physical combat. The authors highlight that seventeenth-century warfare involved both strategic alliances and military strength. The book illustrates how Swedish and Brandenburg forces achieved victory in the battle, within a context of shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals throughout the war.The book commences with a concise introduction followed by an extensive section providing brief biographies of the key figures. This component serves as an invaluable reference, offering personal context for the numerous characters mentioned throughout the narrative. Subsequently, the book presents an overview of the War and The Swedish Deluge, followed by chapters on the military structures of Sweden, the Polish Commonwealth, Brandenburg-Prussia, and the Crimean Khanate. It meticulously details the orders of battle for all involved armies, which will be of particular interest to wargamers and historians. The account of the three days of combat is comprehensive and rich in detail. The concluding chapter examines the aftermath, inviting readers to reflect on the authors' well-supported conclusion.
While based on thorough research, Confrontation of Kings remains accessible. The authors balance detailed scholarship with readability, making it suitable for both historians and newcomers to 17th-century military history. Maps, illustrations, and colour plates help readers visualize the events.
For those with an interest in military history, diplomacy, or compelling narratives of ambition and strategy, Confrontation of Kings, 1656 is highly recommended. Authors Von Essen and Paradowski provide a detailed account of a significant yet frequently overlooked battle, presenting new perspectives on the nature of early modern warfare. The book is both informative and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in historical events.
Included within the pages of this book are 64 black and white images and photos, four very useful maps and 12 glorious colour plates commissioned specifically for the book and created by the talented Sergey Shamenkov.
The book is No. 127 in Helion’s ‘Century of the Soldier series’.
ISBN: 978-1-804516-83-6. 180 pages, Paperback