This issue of Medieval Warfare explores the Burgundian Wars that were fought in Western Europe in the late 15^th century AD. The conflict pitted two relatively small powers against each other in a curious and largely avoidable war. Still, the defeat of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, at the hands of the Swiss Confederacy would have major implications for the future of Europe.

Theme: The Burgundian Wars

• Jean-Claude Brunner, 'Historical introduction'.
• The Source – Jean-Claude Brunner, 'On the composition of the Bernese troops at Morat'.
• Gabriele Esposito, 'The Burgundian 'Lance': organization and structure of the Burgundian army'.
• Robert Holmes, 'Swiss military supremacy'.
• Matthew Beazley, 'The Battle of Grandson'.
• Sidney Dean, 'The Battle of Nancy'.

Features:

• The Weapon – Gareth Williams, 'The mace'.
• Special – Gregory Liebau, 'Legendary duals and the development of a German chivalric tradition'.
• The Source – Ray Cavanaugh, 'The wild times of tenth-century warrior poet Egil Skallagrimson'.