Need advice about a book

ariel · 15th November 2018, 04:52 AM

Does anybody here have “ Islamic arms and Armour of Muslim India” by Syed Zafar Haider?

It it quite expensive and I am wondering whether it provides accurate and unique info beyond Stone,Egerton, Rawson and Elgood?

I have books by Pant and Paul, but the former is not very reliable and just uncritically re-writes Rawson and the latter is a mini coffee table album with anecdotes.

Thanks for any help and frank advice.

Jens Nordlunde · 15th November 2018, 01:17 PM

Yes I have the book.
The book is nice enough, and it explains about the different armour and arms used at different times.
However, with the knowledge you have, and the library you must have, I doubt that you will learn anything from the book.
I bought my copy many years ago, but I have lately seen that the price is quite high, which surprised me.

Lee · 15th November 2018, 02:47 PM

I also acquired a copy of the book shortly after its publication and I agree with Jens' advice.

This book is very nicely presented and does include a good number of illustrations and drawings, many in color, of the items described and of well executed standing and mounted figures in full armor (similar in character to those in some of the Osprey series).

I have not encountered major revelations beyond Egerton and Rawson in occasional reference use, but I have not, to be honest, read this book critically in depth.

ariel · 15th November 2018, 03:21 PM

Jens and Lee,
Thanks to both of you.
You just saved me a minimum of ~$250-300 ( Czernys auction).

Jens Nordlunde · 15th November 2018, 03:58 PM

Ariel - you are welcome.
From the prices I have seen on the book, the one offered must be a third-hand paperback copy:-).

Lee - I have not read all of it either:-).

Jim McDougall · 15th November 2018, 04:20 PM

It is an interesting insight into Mughal order of battle, but applicable more to students of military history and strategists, and would be great for war gamers etc. The information on arms is extremely general and offers no real data which would be useful in their study.
The prints of the warriors in armor and battle dress are beautifully done in color, and the late author, who was a devout Muslim, writes colorfully as well in his descriptions of the warfare these Indian warriors carried out.

I have seen this book offered for ridiculous prices as well, typically far exceeding the amount Ariel has noted.

Kubur · 15th November 2018, 08:19 PM

Be careful i recently bought 3 books from them
They asked me 100 euros for shipping costs
This is absolutly crazy, they are thieves.

ariel · 15th November 2018, 09:49 PM

Kubur,
You might have been better off rafting to Italy from Turkey and back:-)

15th November 2018, 04:52 AM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Need advice about a book Does anybody here have “ Islamic arms and Armour of Muslim India” by Syed Zafar Haider? It it quite expensive and I am wondering whether it provides accurate and unique info beyond Stone,Egerton, Rawson and Elgood? I have books by Pant and Paul, but the former is not very reliable and just uncritically re-writes Rawson and the latter is a mini coffee table album with anecdotes. Thanks for any help and frank advice.

15th November 2018, 01:17 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Yes I have the book. The book is nice enough, and it explains about the different armour and arms used at different times. However, with the knowledge you have, and the library you must have, I doubt that you will learn anything from the book. I bought my copy many years ago, but I have lately seen that the price is quite high, which surprised me. Attached Images

15th November 2018, 02:47 PM	#3
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 970	Seconded I also acquired a copy of the book shortly after its publication and I agree with Jens' advice. This book is very nicely presented and does include a good number of illustrations and drawings, many in color, of the items described and of well executed standing and mounted figures in full armor (similar in character to those in some of the Osprey series). I have not encountered major revelations beyond Egerton and Rawson in occasional reference use, but I have not, to be honest, read this book critically in depth.

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15th November 2018, 03:21 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Jens and Lee, Thanks to both of you. You just saved me a minimum of ~$250-300 ( Czernys auction).

15th November 2018, 03:58 PM	#5
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Ariel - you are welcome. From the prices I have seen on the book, the one offered must be a third-hand paperback copy:-). Lee - I have not read all of it either:-).

15th November 2018, 04:20 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	It is an interesting insight into Mughal order of battle, but applicable more to students of military history and strategists, and would be great for war gamers etc. The information on arms is extremely general and offers no real data which would be useful in their study. The prints of the warriors in armor and battle dress are beautifully done in color, and the late author, who was a devout Muslim, writes colorfully as well in his descriptions of the warfare these Indian warriors carried out. I have seen this book offered for ridiculous prices as well, typically far exceeding the amount Ariel has noted.

15th November 2018, 08:19 PM	#7
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Be careful i recently bought 3 books from them They asked me 100 euros for shipping costs This is absolutly crazy, they are thieves.

15th November 2018, 09:49 PM	#8
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Kubur, You might have been better off rafting to Italy from Turkey and back:-)