The Pike & Shot Society
The Pike and Shot Society is an international organisation promoting the study of the military history of the Renaissance and Early Modern world. For The Pike and Shot Society this period covers the years between 1400 and 1721, a time-span that covers approximately from the introduction of early firearms to the abandonment of the pike as a front-line battlefield weapon - the time of pike and shot. The society is run entirely by, and for the benefit of, its members.
Areas of interest
The society's coverage includes the Wars of the Roses, the Italian Wars, the Wars of Religion, the Thirty Years War, the English Civil War and the War of the Spanish Succession. Outside Europe the Spanish conquest of the Americas, the Samurai of Japan and the armies of the Persians and Mughul Indians all come within the Society's ambit, as do naval clashes such as the Spanish Armada, the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the Mediterranean conflicts between the Christians and the Ottomans.
Arquebusier
Arquebusier is the society's journal. It is A5 in size and 52+ pages long with a colour centre spread. It provides accurate historical information on aspects of warfare from the entire spectrum of the society's period, often supplied from members from all over the world and providing information not otherwise available in English. Arquebusier also includes reviews of books, wargames figures, and other products of relevance to the society's theme.
Mercurius
The society also produces a newsletter of variable length called Mercurius. This contains current news of interest, details of items available for purchase, discounts available, etc.
Publications
The society also publishes a range of books and monographs relating to its theme. These include:
Uniforms and Colours of the Wars of Louis XIV series
These volumes provide detailed information about the armies of Louis XIV of France, in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
- Flags and Uniforms of the French Infantry under Louis XIV, 1688-1714 by Robert Hall. Describes the 280 regiments of foot of the French army which participated in the Nine Years War and the War of the Spanish Succession.
- Standards and Uniforms of the French Cavalry under Louis XIV, 1688-1714 by Robert Hall, Giancarlo Boeri & Yves Roumegoux.
- Guidons, Flags and Uniforms of the French Dragoons, Militia, Artillery and Bombardiers under Louis XIV, 1688-1714 by Robert Hall, Yves Roumegoux & Giancarlo Boeri. Covering the lesser branches of the French army during the reign of Louis XIV.
- The Army of the Electorate Palatine Under Elector Johann Wilhelm 1690-1716 by Claus-Peter Golberg & Robert Hall.
- Vol. 1: Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV. This 94-page volume describes warfare during the reign Louis XIV.
Other society books
- Marlborough Goes to War by Iain Stanford. The book describing the campaign and Battle of Blenheim.
- Lostwithiel 1644 – The Campaign and Battles by Stephen Ede-Borrett. The book is about the military campaign in Western England.
- Waller's Army. The Regiments of Sir William Waller's Southern Association by Laurence Spring about the English Civil War and the role of Sir William Waller.
- The English Companies of Foot in 1588 by Jonathan Davies, about the organisation of the English fleet at the time of the Spanish Armada.
The society also reprinted a number of books written in the 17th century.
Wargames rules
- Captain-General by Tom Smith and Iain Stanford. Rules for land warfare in the period 1660–1721
- General-At-Sea by Iain Stanford. Rules for naval warfare in the period 1640–1721
- Husaria by Ian Wilson. Rules for East European warfare 1558–1699