Polished In Poland

RECENTLY spent nine nights in Wrocław, a city in Silesia better known for hundreds of years by its German name of Breslau.

Despite the city's long history, there was nothing I came across of military interest, although I have posted a couple of photos of some historic interest at https://www.instagram.com/timspanton/

However I had plenty of time to read two books I took with me: Ottoman Odyssey - Travels Through A Lost Empire by Alev Scott, and Lostwithiel 1644 - The Campaign And The Battles by Stephen Ede-Borrett.

A pair of polished products

I nearly gave up on the Ottoman book as its concentration on massacres, mostly by Turks of Christians and Jews, but also of some atrocities against Muslims, is, to say the least, depressing. I was glad I kept going as I found the travel bits well worth the effort.

The Lostwithiel book was published 17 years ago by The Pike and Shot Society but has lain unread in my flat ever since; undeservedly so as it covers a little-known but fascinating campaign from the English Civil War.