Another new Graham Sumner book?

[olymartin]

Just wanted to thank Messrs D'Amato and Sumner for a terrific new book - what great debates are going to rage over some of the conclussions. My only regret is that, after re-reading the section on body armour for the third time, I am now going to bed for the third night in a row with a sore head as my old 'no leather body armour' brain cells battle it out with the new 'perhaps there was' ones. I am still 'sitting on the fence' a bit over this one, although I have to say that there is no reason why leather could not make armour that is at least reasonably effective. I think that it is often underestimated by many just how difficult it can be to stuff a sword or similar through any sort of material; be it iron, leather or even thick wool. In my days as a modern soldier I remember giving demonstrations on how difficult it can be to stab someone with a bayonet through ordinary combat gear (pre kevlar days, but typically wearing combat jacket, wollen jumper/ fleece, t-shirt - on a dummy I might add); it is not always as easy as the movies make it look. Even if not armour as such, surely the case for a leather 'jerkin' of some sort to protect the wearer's metal armour must be concidered. Most armour wearing soldiers of whatever period of history learn that it pays to keep it in reasonable order - beacause one day it could save your life. It therefore follows that soldiers also generally learn that in order to keep it in servicable condition - if you get it dirty, you have got to clean it, so try not to get it dirty in the first place. A leather 'jerkin' could be worn over the armour in crappy weather to protect it from rain and such, and under the armour in hot weather to help protect it from (what in my experience is armour's worst enemy) sweat. On a lighter note I have to say that my partner will be delighted if the case for leather armour is 'proved'. Instead of her being driven mad by the constant 'tap-tap-tap' of me riviting in the back room there will be long periods of the blisful silence of furious sewing!