For those interested in nineteenth-century military conflicts or the history of modern Serbia, Dušan Babac’s ‘The Serbian Army in the Wars for Independence against Turkey 1876–1878’ (from Helion’s from Musket to Maxim series) provides a detailed and visually informative account worth reading. I knew next to nothing about this conflict so was excited to be able to learn something new. I believe this is an updated version of the original 2015 publication.
I found thus book was not your typical dry military history. Babac weaves together strategy, politics, and national identity to tell the story of Serbia’s hard-fought emergence from Ottoman rule. The 1876–1878 wars (there were two) were more than just a regional conflict;
they were a turning point in the Balkans that helped redraw the map of Southeast Europe.
The book is broken down into six main sections; The First Serbo-Turkish War 1876, the Roleof Volunteers (which was significant), The Second Serbo-Turkish War 1877–1878, Weaponry and Equipment, Uniforms and Standards, Orders and Decorations. There are two appendices covering European opinion on the wars and Prince. Milan’s Order on the Occasion of the Independence of Serbia. This book excels in its detailed research and presentation, featuring dozens of rare photos, uniform illustrations, maps, and pictures of surviving artefacts. The quality and sheer number of photographs gives a lasting impression of not just reading about the soldiers and commanders, but also seeing them.
The author also provides context for the development of the Serbian army, describing its attempt to modernise amidst influences from old Ottoman tactics and new European strategies. The writing highlights how Serbia's military efforts were closely linked to its pursuit of independence and how the war influenced the country's future.
A notable aspect of this book is its nuanced portrayal of the conflict. Babac offers an impartial treatment of the Ottoman forces, avoiding the tendency to depict them merely as adversaries. This balanced perspective enhances the narrative's depth and credibility.
Nevertheless, the book primarily focuses on the military aspects. It does not offer a thorough examination of the civilian experience during the war, nor does it delve into the wider social ramifications of the conflict. That is not the intention of the author. However, in its aim to investigate the role of the Serbian army in a pivotal struggle for national survival, it succeeds admirably.
If you are into military history, this book is a gem. It is informative, engaging, and beautifully produced with much emphasis placed on the visual. Whether you are already interested in Balkan history or just starting to explore the region’s past, Dušan Babac delivers a compelling and accessible read. For me this was a wonderful introduction to a previously unknown conflict and has whetted my appetite for more.
I found thus book was not your typical dry military history. Babac weaves together strategy, politics, and national identity to tell the story of Serbia’s hard-fought emergence from Ottoman rule. The 1876–1878 wars (there were two) were more than just a regional conflict;
they were a turning point in the Balkans that helped redraw the map of Southeast Europe.
The book is broken down into six main sections; The First Serbo-Turkish War 1876, the Roleof Volunteers (which was significant), The Second Serbo-Turkish War 1877–1878, Weaponry and Equipment, Uniforms and Standards, Orders and Decorations. There are two appendices covering European opinion on the wars and Prince. Milan’s Order on the Occasion of the Independence of Serbia. This book excels in its detailed research and presentation, featuring dozens of rare photos, uniform illustrations, maps, and pictures of surviving artefacts. The quality and sheer number of photographs gives a lasting impression of not just reading about the soldiers and commanders, but also seeing them.
The author also provides context for the development of the Serbian army, describing its attempt to modernise amidst influences from old Ottoman tactics and new European strategies. The writing highlights how Serbia's military efforts were closely linked to its pursuit of independence and how the war influenced the country's future.
A notable aspect of this book is its nuanced portrayal of the conflict. Babac offers an impartial treatment of the Ottoman forces, avoiding the tendency to depict them merely as adversaries. This balanced perspective enhances the narrative's depth and credibility.
Nevertheless, the book primarily focuses on the military aspects. It does not offer a thorough examination of the civilian experience during the war, nor does it delve into the wider social ramifications of the conflict. That is not the intention of the author. However, in its aim to investigate the role of the Serbian army in a pivotal struggle for national survival, it succeeds admirably.
If you are into military history, this book is a gem. It is informative, engaging, and beautifully produced with much emphasis placed on the visual. Whether you are already interested in Balkan history or just starting to explore the region’s past, Dušan Babac delivers a compelling and accessible read. For me this was a wonderful introduction to a previously unknown conflict and has whetted my appetite for more.
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