Reviews
"an important scholarly work, a product of extensive archival research that sheds considerable new light on Mediterranean sea power."
--The Northern Mariner/Le Marine du nord
"Using a wide variety of archival sources (their wealth almost entirely uninvestigated previously) , Mott is able to trace not only the travels and engagements of the Catalan-Aragonese fleet during the War of the Sicilian Vespers (1282-1302) and the leadership of its admiral, Roger de Lauria, but also the fleet's construction, type of vessels, administration, provisioning, manning, and, especially important, its funding.
"Highly Recommended" K.R. DeVries, Loyola College in Maryland
--Choice
"This meticulously researched and fascinating volume examines the rise of Aragon as a maritime power in the western Mediterranean, and particularly the role of the commander of the Catalan-Aragonese Fleet, Roger of Lauria."
--Int'l Journal of Maritime History
"Magisterial."
"Mott provides a thorough analysis of medieval naval warfare ranging from types of ships, methods of warfare, and logistics."
--Sea History
"If we accept that the Catalan-Aragonese navy was the model of efficiency Mott claims, then it was truly a marvel not only for the thirteenth century but well into the early modern period. His vision of the fleet no doubt exceeds the capabilities of what many considered possible for a medieval navy. This is a book that lives up to its billing: it does shed light on medieval seapower . . . and calls into question a number of assumptions held by maritime historians and naval buffs."
--The Sixteenth Century Journal
"Persuasive and well documented...it offers real insight into the foundation of Aragonese dominance while displaying Roger of Lauria's remarkable skill in achieving a naval force unparalleled until the sixteenth century."
--American Historical Review