[Joe DeLaura]

I was just wondering if there are any books out there that attempt to classify the evolution of shields throughout the Middle ages, much like how Oakeshott's typology of swords and etc.

I was reading through MS I.33 earlier and it struck me that I knew relatively little about shields- sizes, types, time periods, advantages of sword and buckler fighting versus a larger, more Viking-era shield.

I am guessing that as armor improved from maille to plate armor and became more widespread in use shields probably became smaller and focused on parrying or not used, as evidenced by the development of two handed swords in the Late Middle ages. Is this a good assumption to start with? And can anyone more knowledgeable give a more detailed explanation?

[Chad Arnow]

The idea of a shield typology has been discussed briefly before: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=7863

I was going to add some thoughts in this new thread, but it would actually be best just to revive the existing discussion.