THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE CRACKER AND WILL UNDOUBTEDLY SHIFT MY FOCUS BACK TO THE FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY WARS.
French Émigré Armies of the Revolutionary Wars, volume 1, by Hughes de Bazouges and Alastair Nichols is the 150th book in Helion’s ‘from Reason to Revolution 1721–1815’ series. From the moment you crack open this book, you can feel the authors’ enthusiasm leaping off the page. Rediscovering the French Émigré Armies.
The world of the French émigré forces, so often tucked away in the margins of history, finally gets its time in the spotlight. Instead of being mere footnotes, these units are front and centre, and the result is genuinely eye-opening and refreshingly different. The authors certainly succeed in opening up a hidden chapter of revolutionary history.
What really stands out is the sheer depth of detail. Whether it is the makeup of the regiments, the political intrigue swirling around them, or the nitty-gritty of their campaigns, it’s all here. Yet, the writing never feels heavy-going. Whether you are a seasoned historian, a wargamer or reenactor, or just someone with a passing interest, the story flows beautifully.
Let us talk about the visuals—maps, illustrations, and especially the uniform plates. These are not just pretty extras; they bring each of these short-lived, colourful yet lost regiments to life. With 24 pages packed with images each with an impressively detailed commentary, you can almost imagine yourself marching alongside the Armée des Princes.
The émigré armies were a colourful, dramatic bunch, and their story is rarely told with such care. This book fills a real gap, weaving together sources old and new to offer fresh perspectives.
In short, if you’re curious about the French Revolutionary Wars, counterrevolutionary movements, or the wild world of eighteenth-century European military culture, this is the book for you. It is both a joy to dip into and a solid reference you will want on your shelf. If this first volume is anything to go by, the rest of the series promises to be something special.
ISBN: 978-1-804515-38-9
269 pages
Paperback
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