From Mongol warriors, Roman soldiers, and the Vikings to Swiss pikemen, British redcoats, and the French Foreign Legion, this crackling survey examines military might from the time of the Pharaohs to the modern era. Spotlighting frontline foot soldiers, Coggins's encyclopedic effort focuses on the world's great fighting forces, examining their weapons, uniforms, tactics, and training.<BR>The ambitious work considers conflicts in the ancient world, siege warfare of the Greeks, raids by the Northmen, and the exploits of England's bowmen. It also probes combat histories of the Germans, Japanese, Russians, Americans, and troops from other lands. Artistry, accuracy of detail, and more than 200 of the author's own black-and-white drawings help make this, according to "The New York Times, " "a book of lasting value, and a much needed tribute to the professional fighting man."