Verney, Victor Warrior of God. Jan Zizka and the Hussite Revolution

Born in 1360, Jan Zizka was a formidable figure whose life and military career was set amidst the whirlwind of monumental revolutions - military, religious, political and social - that engulfed medieval Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries. The leader of Bohemia's Hussite Revolution, the first of the religious wars during the Protestant Reformation, he was a forward-thinking military genius whose record is virtually unmatched. Zizka fielded a peasant militia, initially untrained and unequipped, and faced down the Holy Roman Empire's huge professional army of armoured knights. Among his numerous innovations was the armoured wagon fitted with small cannons and muskets, presaging the modern tank. All this was achieved despite the fact that for much of his later career he went completely blind. Yet remarkably, beyond central Europe, very little is known about him, though today he is he is widely considered a Czech national hero. In this original and engrossing study, historian Victor Verney combines an authoritative analysis with colourful anecdotes to reveal the incredible exploits of this forgotten military genius and the fascinating cast of characters who surrounded him.

Among his many innovations was the armoured car equipped with small cannons, early small arms and crossbows, which anticipated the modern tank. All this was achieved despite being completely blind for much of his later career. Remarkably, very little is known about him outside of Central Europe, although today he is widely recognised as a Czech national hero. In this original and fascinating study, historian Victor Verney combines in-depth analysis with colourful anecdotes to reveal the incredible exploits of this forgotten military genius and the fascinating cast of characters surrounding him.