This book marks the birth of the "new military history", which emphasized military organization-- mobilization, pay, supply, morale and, above all, logistics-- rather than military "events" such as sieges and battles. The author has been able to show how Europe's largest army was assembled and commanded, as well as how it behaved in action and under stress. It demonstrates how easily a great power can become involved in a ruinous war which it cannot manage to win but cannot bear to abandon. It shows a picture of war and military life in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The character of the Low countries' wars -- Assembling an army : the problem of distance. Mobilization ; The military corridors of the Army of Flanders ; The Spanish road ; The high command -- Maintaining an army : the problem of resources. The Army of Flanders and logistics ; Financial resources ; Life in the Army of Flanders ; Mutiny ; Wastage and "reformation" ; Demobilization -- Conclusion : Spain, her enemies and the revolt of the Netherlands.