"This book has begun the revision and rehabilitation of the Elizabethan military machine, although this is a military biography rather than a military history. What is also pleasing that it is such a readable and, on the whole, balanced account. This is a most enjoyable read that I would heartily recommend."--
The Pike and Shot Society Journal"Nolan comes into his own when dealing with both the economic and technical infrastructure of sixteenth-century military life ... The book is also full of case studies that will make enlightening reading for any student of military life in the sixteenth century."--
Irish Historical Studies"About Norreys himself too little is known for this to be a conventional biography, a fact freely confessed by the author. However, there is enough information to depict Norreys as a hard-drinking, bad-tempered, hyper-sensitive, paranoid, prickly, awkward, quarrelsome, yet brave professional soldier who fought in the majority of Elizabeth's land operations: the Netherlands, Ireland, Brittany, Portugal and the Armada Campaign in 1588. ... Dr Nolan has deepened our understanding of how the Elizabethan 'army' functioned whilst on campaign."--
English Historical Review