Italian Wars Parade ( a bit late) for 500th Anniversary of Pavia

I thought I’d dig out the collection to do a load of repairs on pikes, banners and lances that have become detached. Ideal excuse for a parade as well, especially as I shall be running an Italian Wars game a week on Saturday. 

They’re slightly mixed up but I’ve tried to lay them out by army, but in no particular order. Click on the pictures to embiggen them.

Imperial Landsknechts. I need another unit.

Various Venetian types.

Florentines in the front. 

Spanish and Neapolitan men at arms.

I probably have enough now, although I do have some more Italian infantry and some Scots Archers of the Guard that really should be finished off.

Science of Arms Volume 2 - A Review

I hope nobody is getting tired of these book reviews but I'm not up to doing much else this week and I did have quite a few to clear off my desk. 

Science of Arms Volume 2 - The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699 by Stephen M. Carter is a solid continuation of his exploration into the mechanics and philosophy behind the art of war during the period, this time focussing on the cavalry, artillery and the actual conduct of war. If you’re into breaking down techniques and really getting into the nitty-gritty of how things work, this one delivers. It’s clear the author knows his stuff, and he presents it in a way that’s informative without being overwhelming.

There’s a lot of great content here for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of military matters during this period, especially the more technical aspects. The book avoids getting bogged down in unnecessary jargon, which is nice, and the insights feel like they come from someone who’s genuinely passionate about the subject. The book definitely leans more towards the practical side of things, so you’re not getting a lot of fluff.

I would say that this book is a good pick if you're looking to enhance your own practice or just want a fresh perspective on familiar techniques. It may not be the easiest read if you're just starting out, but if you've got a bit of experience, this will definitely give you something to think about.

The book is packed full of contemporary black and white illustrations, maps, charts and diagrams. The latter caught my eye as being useful in understanding how troops moved, deployed and camped, and I am always drawn to reproductions of old maps.

Eating the elephant in lots of small bites is always the best way to cover such a complex subject, and each operational aspect of the cavalry and artillery is broken down; for example sections on the ‘cavalry regiment’, the ‘cavalry company’, ‘squadron exercises’, ‘combat exercises’ and ‘maxims for the cavalry’. The same (more or less) sub-headings are also applied to the artillery.

Chapter 6 covers the Conduct of War, a very broad subject but once again broken down into bite-sized chunks, and is very much in a ‘how to’ vein, such as command of the army, and maxims on moving and lodging the army, and on forcing passages, defensive marches, guarding places, offensive marches and of course giving battle.

Overall, Science of Arms Volume 2 is meticulously researched using a wide range of primary and secondary sources, and is well written. Definitely worth a read if you're into this period and subject and want to dig a little deeper into what is a fascinating subject.

ISBN 978-1-804511-97-8. 358 pages, softback

Century of the Soldier 1618-1721, No 123

The Army of the Kingdom of Italy 1805–181§4

 Stephen Ede-Borrett's revised edition of The Army of the Kingdom of Italy 1805–1814: Uniforms, Organisation, Campaigns is a remarkable and comprehensive study that delves deep into the often-overlooked military forces of Napoleonic Italy. This expanded edition not only enriches the original content but also offers readers an immersive experience into the uniforms, organisational structures, and campaigns of the army of the Kingdom of Italy.

One of the standout features of this edition is its visual richness. The inclusion of 35 previously unpublished artworks, along with numerous colour plates and illustrations, provides readers with vivid and detailed representations of the army's attire and equipment. These visuals are invaluable for historians, enthusiasts, and modellers alike, offering a clear window into the past.

The author’s meticulous research shines through in his exploration of each branch of the armed forces, including the guards, cavalry, infantry, naval units, shore batteries, and support services. His detailed accounts of uniform variations, often reflecting the evolving fashions of the French Army, are particularly enlightening. The author's use of primary and secondary sources, complemented by original artwork adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Beyond uniforms, the book offers insightful information on the organisation and evolution of the Italian army's regiments. Readers are guided through the development of each unit, supported by concise overviews of the campaigns they participated in. These sections provide intriguing details about both major battles and minor skirmishes, highlighting the pivotal role Italian soldiers played under Napoleon's command.

In summary, this revised edition serves as an essential reference for anyone interested in the Napoleonic era, military history, or uniformology. Stephen Ede-Borrett's dedication to uncovering and presenting the history of the Kingdom of Italy's army ensures that this work will be a treasured addition to any historian's or wargamer’s collection.


ISBN 978-1-804514-42-9.    173 pages, large format soft covers

The Italian Wars Volume 5

 

The Italian Wars Volume 5: The Franco-Spanish War in Southern Italy 1502-1504 by Massimo Predonzani is another gem in Helion’s From Retinue to Regiment 1453-1618 series. This is another meticulously researched volume which delves into the intricate conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples. It offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired between 1502 and 1504.

The narrative is informative and engaging, shedding light on pivotal figures such as Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, whose strategic prowess led to significant Spanish victories at Cerignola and the Garigliano in 1503. Each of the battles is examined in detail; the author's detailed examination of the armies, troop movements, battle strategies, orders of battle, and political manoeuvres provides a nuanced perspective on this critical period in European history. 

 

The book is enriched with the inclusion of eight gorgeous colour plates drawn by the author which depict a wide range of different troops types from all participants in the war.  There are also 41 (often contemporary) black-and-white illustrations and photos of surviving pieces of armour. Finally there are 10 maps, which enhance the reader's comprehension of these complex military campaigns.  

 

As with the previous four volumes, this book is a valuable resource for historians, military enthusiasts, indeed anyone interested in the Italian Wars. The well-structured layout and insightful content make it a worthy addition to any historical collection. I can recommend it most highly.

 

ISBN 978-1-804514-52-8      187 pages. Softback

Sailors, Ships and Sea Fights Reviewed

I have had this lying around for quite some time as I must have put it on the wrong pile (I keep all books I plan to review separate, but this one certainly went adrift. So, better late than never, here it is.

This is definitely a book for all maritime enthusiasts. Set sail on a scholarly voyage with Sailors, Ships, and Sea Fights, a captivating compendium edited by Nicholas James Kaizer published as part of Helion’s ‘from reason to Revolution’ series. The editor assembles 14 meticulously researched essays from Helion's 2022 Naval History Conference, navigating the tumultuous seas of 18th and early 19th-century naval warfare.

Readers will find three distinct sections: naval operations in Europe, North American maritime endeavours, and the intricate world of naval administration. From the Venetian fleet's strategic evolution during the Second Morean War to the nuanced tactics of French and Spanish support during the 1745 Jacobite uprising, each chapter offers fresh insights that challenge conventional maritime narratives. Notably,  Mr Kaizer’s own analysis of War of 1812 ship-to-ship combats provides a riveting reassessment of Royal Navy commanders' prowess, or occasionally lack thereof, during this era. Given my significant interest in the War of 1812, this is my favourite chapter,

Beyond the actual fighting stuff, the book delves into the often overlooked realms of naval administration and manpower. Essays exploring Admiral Anson's transformative reforms and the realities of sailor recruitment debunk longstanding myths, revealing the unsavoury truths behind the so-called glory of naval life. There are also equality interesting chapters on the evolution of naval law, the use of black pilots and the lives and care of Royal Navy pensioners. The book also includes a good range of black and white illustrations and photographs, together with 11 maps, 26 tables and 16 graphs, which all help the reader understand some of the detail contained in the narrative

While the depth and detail of these scholarly essays may best suit dedicated naval history aficionados, the rich narratives and enlightening perspectives ensure that even the most casual readers will find themselves engrossed.

In essence, Sailors, Ships, and Sea Fights is more than a mere collection of essays; it is a well-crafted and curated volume offering readers knowledge and an engaging reading experience. It certainly floated my boat!

 

ISBN: 978-1-804513-44-6.   356 pages

Elephants and Gunpowder (Spoiler Alert - it doesn't bode well for the elephants!)

I sometimes feel quite anxious when reviewing a book by one of the ‘greats’ such as the late Rene Chartrand, and in this case Stephen Turnbull. He has a knack for uncovering the oddities of military history, and Elephants and Gunpowder is no exception. This is No 30 in Helion’s ‘from Retinue to Regiment 1453-1618’ series.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the sheer brute force of war elephants meets the cold efficiency of gunpowder weapons, this book is your answer. The author masterfully traces the era when these massive, tusked tanks still had a place on the battlefield, but were increasingly outmatched by muskets, cannons, and good old-fashioned explosives. The book covers a wide range of historical encounters, from Asia to Europe, showing how different cultures wrestled with the dilemma of whether to stick with tradition or embrace the firepower of the future.

The writing is classic Turnbull: informative but never dry, peppered with fascinating anecdotes (like how the Portuguese gleefully realized they could turn war elephants into oversized, panicked liabilities for their enemies). It is an engaging read; the focus at times leans more on military strategy than the broader cultural implications. That said, if you love the nitty-gritty details of battlefield tactics and the slow, inevitable demise of war elephants as a viable force, this is one for you.

It also contains a beautiful centre spread of colour plates (there are 22 colour images in total), in addition to the numerous black and white images and photographs, and two maps.

Overall, Elephants and Gunpowder is a fantastic and engrossing dive into a weirdly specific but incredibly interesting slice of history. Turnbull delivers the goods as always—just don’t expect a happy ending for the elephants.

ISBN 978-1-804515-53-2        152 pages, softback

Two British Civil Wars Titles

Two for the price of one this time.

Novelty and Change, edited by Charles Singleton, is a fascinating anthology that delves into the British Civil Wars and 17th century military history. It is published as part of Helion’s Century of the Soldier 1618-1721 series. Originating from the 2023 Century of the Soldier Conference at the University of Worcester, this collection brings together much in the way of fresh research and perspectives.

The volume features a diverse array of papers, including Professor Peter Wilson's keynote on the interplay of novelty and continuity in European warfare between 1618 and 1721. Other notable contributions explore Civil War fortifications, the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold, dragoon warfare in the Welsh borders, and Montrose's army from 1644 to 1646.

The editor has three decades of experience dedicated to the study of pike and shot warfare, and has curated a work that is both informative and engaging. For scholars and enthusiasts of 17th century military history, Novelty and Change offers valuable insights and a wealth of new information.

ISBN 978-1-804516-28-7. Soft covers 217 pages.

This is another excellent addition to Helion’s ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series, examining the logistics, arms, ammunition, clothing, victuals and material of war during the period 1645-1646, and another bite-sized examination of a discrete part of the British Civil Wars. War might be won on the battlefield, but it is lost in the logistics. Supplying the New Model Army by Helion regular Andrew Abraham dives into the crux of any successful military campaign: keeping soldiers fed, clothed, armed, and, when things really start to go bad, paid. As you will find from the narrative, the New Model Army didn’t always get that last part.

This book isn’t about the glamour of cavalry charges or the glory of battlefield tactics. Instead, it tackles the far messier, bureaucratic, and deeply human struggle of keeping England’s first professional army operational. From grain shipments to gunpowder stockpiles, it explores how Parliament managed to keep its troops in the fight, even when funds were short and suppliers were ‘reluctant’ to participate.

Helion’s usual high standard of research is on display here, packed with fascinating details about the army’s supply chain, the people behind it, and the occasional disasters that ensued. If you’ve ever wanted to know how Civil War-era quartermasters balanced ledgers and dodged angry merchants, this book has you covered.

That said, while the content is rich and illuminating, it does lean into the academic side of things a little but that does not detract from the overall narrative. This book is essential for anyone fascinated by the nuts and bolts of 17th century warfare. The New Model Army may have revolutionised military organisation , but Supplying the New Model Army proves that even the most disciplined force in England still struggled with late deliveries and unpaid bills. Some things never change.

ISBN 978-1-804515-49-5. Hard covers 311 pages

 

Quicksilver Captain review - The Life of Sir Home Popham.

This is a really enjoyable read. I knew little about Popham beyond the Beunos Aires debacle so this looked like a good ‘un, and it is.

Jacqueline Reiter’s Quicksilver Captain published as part of Helion’s ‘from Reason to Revolution’ series is a masterfully researched and biography of Sir Home Popham, a fascinating yet often overlooked figure in British naval history. Reiter brings to life the complex and controversial character of Popham, a man whose ingenuity and ambition shaped naval operations during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. Reiter’s writing is both accessible and informative, striking a perfect balance between historical rigor and readability. She skillfully unpacks Popham’s achievements, from his development of an influential naval signaling system to his bold (and sometimes reckless) military ventures, including the unauthorized invasion of Buenos Aires in 1806.

What makes this biography particularly compelling is how Reiter portrays Popham not just as a strategist and naval officer but as a dynamic and flawed individual. His talent for diplomacy and innovation was often overshadowed by his political maneuvering and disregard for authority. Yet, rather than painting him as a villain or a hero, Reiter presents a nuanced and balanced account of his career, allowing readers to appreciate both his brilliance and his shortcomings.

For history enthusiasts, especially those interested in late 18th century and early 19th century naval warfare and British military history, Quicksilver Captain is a must read. Reiter’s meticulous research, engaging prose, and keen insight into Popham’s life make this book a standout biography. Whether you admire Popham’s daring exploits or question his methods, his story is undeniably captivating—and Reiter tells it splendidly.

ISBN 978-18045-1-4412 356 pages softback

French Infantry During the Seven Years War 1756-1763 Vol 1

At the risk of being boring here is another review for your delectation as I shift my painting focus from 1940 France to something a little more exotic....

I’ve had this book for some time and have only now finished reading what to me is a good guide to the organisation of the French army during the Seven Years War. French Infantry During the Seven Years’ War 1756–1763 Vol 1 by Jean-Lous Vial is number 137 in Helion’s splendid ‘from Reason to Revolution’ series. 

 

The book looks at the organisation and evolution of the French infantry regiments during this period. The author examines in some detail what made a French regiment ‘tick’, that is, the hierarchy, the recruitment of soldiers and their training, officer training and career prospects, housing, uniforms and equipment. There are also separate chapters devoted to the Provincial Militia the Grenadiers Royeaux and the Coastguard Militia; indeed these last three were my favourites.

 

The author has used a comprehensive range of primary and secondary sources, and he makes good use of contemporary correspondence to illustrate the narrative. The book also contains a number of black and white illustrations, largely contemporary or near contemporary. There are also eight full-page colour plates of a variety of French infantry soldiers drawn by the talented Sergey Shamenkov. 

 

This book certainly has something to add to what is already available on the subject, much of which is now quite dated. This more recent examination of the French army is therefore a valuable new look and I would recommend it to anyone interested in this subject. I also look forward to the next two volumes in the series.

Shame I sold all my SYW collection (including my lovely French army).......maybe not.

 

 

ISBN 978-1-804514-36-8.          166 pages, softback

 

Some more early WW2 Germans. This time a bunch of kradschutzen

What we have here is a right old mix of manufacturers. Hat, 3d prints and metals I think from, well I can’t remember. They’ve taken me long enough to do but here they now are.

Apart from the five combos at the back they are representing a ‘typical’ 1940 m/c battalion; HQ, MG company and two m/cycle companies. The guys at the back are to add to some armoured cars I have lined up to form elements of a recce battalion. 

Of course it has not escaped me that technically I ought to do a bunch of dismounts for if and when they get into action. Mmmm?  Now they’re more of less done I can move on to some French Spahi I think……

A bit of new real estate - Trump Towers these are not, thank God.

I have acquired quite a few new resin and MDF buildings over the last year or two, most of which have been forgotten about in storage in the Greenhouse of Oblivion down at the bottom of the garden. During a search for more stuff to put on eBay I decided that perhaps they needed putting together and painted so that I could actually get some use out of them. These are the results of my endeavours. They will do the job. The row at the front are prepainted mdf kits. The rest are 3d prints from various sources. They’re all 1/72 scale. My favourites are the pit head building and the wrecked boat.

Zumi auditioning for Catzilla.

Peninsula War Battles and Battlefields

Another review dear readers. 

If I was to have the time and money to embark on a tour of the Iberian Peninsula and its Napoleonic battlefields this is quite frankly the book I would take as my guide. Battles and Battlefields of the Peninsular War by Charles Esdaile, part of Helion’s ‘from Reason to Revolution’ series would be the perfect companion.

There are 28 chapters, each covering one battle from the war, in more than enough detail for me. What really pushes the book into the league of being incredibly useful are the large number of colour photographs of the actual locations of the battlefields and the towns and features encompassed by them as they can be seen today. Wonderfully evocative and they absolutely add to the narrative and overall experience f enjoying the book.These, together with lots of clearly drawn colour maps really make the book sing.

I probably need say no more as my thoughts regarding this book are unequivocally positive. It is a great piece of work, a fascinating read and the subject has been addressed from a slightly different angle than other authors I am aware of. I am sure Charles enjoyed his research trip as much as anyone lucky enough t be able to follow in his and the book’s footsteps.

So, a superb addition to the Helion stable and one deserve of a place in my growing Napoleonic section of my library. If Helion keeps this up I will need a bigger room and more shelves!

ISBN 978-1-804515-45-7. 316 pages, softback

Coming Soon! A Wargames Guide to the Italian Wars

Helion plan to release this new book in time for Salute. Though I say so myself it is a very good guide for those of us who like to game the Italian Wars. Conrad did most of the writing; my contribution being the 15 scenarios, which was a challenge insofar that they are all 'rules agnostic' and in some if not most cases they have been covered extensively by gamers elsewhere across the blogasphere. At least they are now within the covers of one book. 

This is what the Helion website says about the book:

The Great Italian Wars provide perhaps the most spectacular, colourful and visually appealing of all conflicts to appear on the tabletop. Despite having been popular for half a century, with large numbers of beautifully made figures, there has never been a book that sets out for the gamer the history of the wars and the nature of the armies involved.

All Is Lost Save Honour fills the gap. The armies of France, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, the Italian states and the Swiss confederacy were all different, and changed over the 65 years of conflict; here we describe what makes them distinctive, and how by the later stages there had evolved something very close to the standard pike and shot infantry that was to be the west European standard for the next century and beyond.

Wargamers have frequently been frustrated by the lack of information on all but a few of the forty or so major field (and sea) actions of the period. While pointing out the contractions and uncertainties that surround some aspects of many encounters, we have sufficient detail to present accounts of 15 battles, with maps and descriptions of the forces involved. There is also a section on the new arts of siege warfare, with a detailed account of the attacks on Montalcino and Siena.

The armies that fought in Italy (we cover also the battles in France) can be used for contemporary conflicts in Germany, the Pyrenees, Castile, North Africa and other areas.

This work is not linked to any set of rules, or scale, or figure manufacturer, so whatever system you play and the size and maker of your armies, it will help your gaming.

There is an extensive bibliography, with the emphasis (as much as is possible) on English language sources, although the book does include much material derived from titles not available in English. Reading a work of art or interpreting an armoury is another skill which the authors bring to the book and explain for the reader.

1525 is the 500th anniversary of Pavia, the most famous battle of the Italian Wars, so here is the way to give blood to the ghosts of the soldiers of the Renaissance.

Peter the Great’s Disastrous Defeat (was he already ‘great’ in 1700 or just aspiring to it?)

I am dreadfully behind with my reviews, indeed I’ve been behind with everything; no games for ages, hardly any painting, not even much buying! Nevertheless, and despite the travails at home, fighting two legal cases, my wife not being well, the black dog sniffing round my heels and me with a chest infection from hell hot on the heels of a trapped nerve in my neck so bad it stopped us going to India in January, here we go with yet another book reviews. I suppose it could have been worse! At least I’ve had plenty of time to read.

Michael Fredholm von Essen’s new book covering the early part of the Great Northern War leading up to the Swedish victory at Narva in 1700 provides an absorbing insight into the lead up the battle and the annihilation of Peter the Great’s army, which had been besieging the Swedish-held town.

This is a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the battle, the siege and subsequent battle and its aftermath. I found the section entitled ‘dramatis personae’ especially useful given the nationalities involved when reading the narrative. What follows are the obligatory but no less interesting chapters on the Swedish and Russian armies, the Russian siege, the movements of Charles’ relieving force, orders of battle for both armies and the battle itself. This last subject is covered in great detail across two chapters; one covering the assault, the other the fighting between the siege lines. The comprehensive Russian defeat is evidenced by the huge losses in generals, officers, men and materiel. Of course Peter’s new army was to be an entirely different one to that which was destroyed outside Narva, much to the detriment of Charles’ ambitions. One cannot but help wondering whether Charles missed an opportunity to deal a knockout blow to Russia, but the author suggests with sound reasoning that this was an impractical and highly risky move.

The book is very well illustrated with a large number of black and white images, be they contemporary drawings, portraits, or photographs of surviving places or items of equipment. There are several black and white maps, again near contemporary, and three lovely colour maps of the Baltic region and the manoeuvring around Narva. There are also a bumper 24 pages of vibrant colour illustrations, mostly by the talented Sergey Shamenkov. These depict examples of the Swedish and Russian troops together with a large selection of colours from both armies. I was intrigued that the Russian clothing was still very much of the style set in the previous century. There are also a significant number of charts and tables to help illustrate unit strengths, losses and so forth.

I found this book to be a most enjoyable and informative read, based on much new research on the subject. It is surely a must for anyone with an interest in the Great Northern War, especially the very early years of what was to become a long, bloody and bitter conflict.


ISBN 978-1-804514-43-6. 167 pages, softback.

The Campaign to Liberate Portugal

Britain and the Liberation of Portugal - Rolica and Vimeiro, 1808 by Robert Griffith is a recent addition to Helion’s excellent, extensive ‘from Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 series, and a very welcome one it is too.

I will admit that the Peninsular War would normally only hold a passing interest for me compared to, say, the 1807 campaign in Poland or the Russo-Swedish War of 1808-09. That said, I was more than keen to delve into this, for Helion, quite monumental (over 500 pages) volume. I was not to be disappointed.

The book is as it says on the inside cover, a highly detailed narrative of Wellington’s (Wellesley as was) first Peninsular campaign. The author has used a vast range of sources; memoires, letters, and previously unpublished British, French and Portuguese primary sources. The parameters for the book are from Junot’s invasion of Portugal in 1807, the British expedition to counter this move, the battles of Rolica and Vimeiro, the somewhat controversial and for some career damaging Convention of Cintra, to the expulsion of the French from Portugal.

The author takes us on a step-by-step journey through the campaign in tremendous detail. He takes a look at the journey of the English from embarkation to the landings in Portugal; not an easy journey nor task. There are chapters outlining the armies of the three nations involved in the campaign, all of which leads us to the skirmish at Obidos and the battles of Rolica and Vimeiro, each with a mixture of riveting narrative and informative quotes from various primary sources.

The book contains a good number of orders of battle for all sides at different stages of the campaign, together with associated charts and tables. The maps are excellent, especially those accompanying the chapters on Rolica amd Vimeiro, which give very clear information regarding the terrain, deployment and subsequent troop movements. There are also a good number of black and white pictures, many of which are of the terrain fought over as it is today which I found especially useful. There are also several contemporary black and white images.

Of course no book on this campaign could ignore the Convention of Cintra and the resulting fallout which descended upon the heads of most of the senior British officers, and the details of the official inquiry are both detailed and very revealing, again peppered with extracts of contemporary correspondence.

The narrative really sucked me in and blew my ambivalence for the campaign out of the window very early on. It is well written and clearly very well researched and is a subject about which the author is intimate with. An excellent book. One I can recommend most highly, especially as it has sparked off my interest in what was a fascinating campaign, with some participants and leaders.

ISBN 978-1-804514-39-9  Hardback 515 pages.