Turnbull, Stephen Elephants and Gunpowder. Southeast Asian Warfare 1380-1700

The book presents the first chronological, detailed and richly illustrated account of the development of warfare in mainland Southeast Asia during the early modern period. It begins with a description of the region's medieval military heritage, which was characterised by the use of war elephants. The first firearms appeared in the late 14th century and were used alongside elephants and cavalry in a long series of wars between Burma (Myanmar) and Siam (Thailand). Thrilling sieges and dramatic naval battles are covered as well as much fascinating material on the belief in omens and divination and the impact of foreign mercenaries. While cannons are all around them, elephants serve as mounts for noble hand-to-hand combat, as living battering rams against city gates and, in the form of the precious and coveted white elephant, as a pretext and excuse for war itself. The text is supplemented by a large number of carefully selected photographs, maps and specially commissioned artworks that present the weapons and armour of the Southeast Asian warrior and his elephants in an unprecedented way.