Another Book. Algeciras 1801.

 

Awash on Unfriendly Tides by Samuel MacAllister is a delightfully engaging slice of naval history that proves two things: the Mediterranean can be breathtakingly beautiful, and it can also be an absolutely terrible place to find yourself stranded.

MacAllister brings the Algeciras campaign vividly to life, blending solid historical research with the pace and excitement of an adventure novel. The book follows events that are dramatic enough on their own, but the author's storytelling makes them feel even more immediate. Ships creak, tempers fray, plans unravel, and readers could be left wondering how anyone in the age of sail ever made it home in one piece.

What makes the book particularly enjoyable for me at any rate is its accessibility. The narrative is presented with clarity and enthusiasm, rather than buried beneath endless dates and military minutiae. The human side of the story shines through, from determined commanders to ordinary sailors who seem to spend much of their time battling not just enemies, but weather, misfortune, and the persistent tendency of ships to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This narrative moves briskly, keeping the pages turning while still providing enough historical context to satisfy readers with a keen interest in the period. Those looking for dense academic debate may find it a little light, but readers seeking an entertaining and informative journey will be richly rewarded.

Overall, I found Awash on Unfriendly Tides to be a thoroughly enjoyable read: part military history, part sea adventure, and part cautionary tale about trusting fate, the weather, or nineteenth-century travel arrangements. It is a book that manages to educate while entertaining, which is no small feat. After all, any historical account that leaves you both better informed and quietly grateful for modern transport has done something right.

The book contains a number of original colour plates showing among other things details of the engagement in Algeciras Bay. Add to these a large number of contemporary black and white images, photographs of surviving fortifications and several diagrams showing how ships manoeuvred when not under sail, i.e. using springs and kedge anchors.

A lively, absorbing historical adventure that keeps its course steady between scholarship and storytelling, with scarcely a dull moment on deck. Number 169 in Helion’s ‘from Reason to Revolution 1721–1815’ series.

ISBN: 978-1-806720-59-0 140 pages Paperback

Some interesting books.

 This is No.155 in Helion’s from Reason to Revolution 1721–1815 series.

In Fuentes De Oñoro, Massena’s Last Battle and the Campaign of 1811 Kenton White has produced a clear, steady and authoritative account of one of the more awkward, fascinating battles of the Peninsular War, relying on a well-paced and absorbing narrative that guides the reader through the messy realities of 1811 with calmness and precision. 

The author brings out the personalities—Massena fraying at the edges, Wellington juggling risks—with just enough colour to keep things human without drifting into melodrama. The campaign context is handled particularly well and as a result I never felt lost, nor did I feel lectured. It is simply explained, neatly structured, and surprisingly easy to follow. The Peninsular War is not an area I am as familiar with as say, 1805 to 1808, so this approach certainly helped me through the detail admirably. 

The battlefield analysis is sensible rather than showy, and the maps and illustrations support the text without overwhelming it. For wargamers, there is more than enough in here to spark scenario ideas, but it never feels like that is the book’s aim. For me I was content to let the facts carry the story. The two appendices make interesting reading and comparisons, as they present the orders of battle and strength returns for both Wellington’s and Massena’s armies as of 1 May 1811.

All in all, it’s a measured, engaging and quietly impressive study—one that rewards a relaxed afternoon’s reading and leaves you with a solid appreciation of a complicated little corner of the Peninsular War. 

ISBN:978-1-804518-24-3                        269 pages              Paperback

Moving on to a very popular subject, the Great Italian Wars. The Battle of Pavia 1525 by Massimo Predonzani is a reminder of just how chaotic early-modern warfare could be, even when some of Europe’s biggest names were on the field. You go in expecting pikes, shot, and grand manoeuvre — and you come out with mud, confusion, desperate firefights in the dark, and a king having a very bad day indeed, no doubt wishing he had stayed in bed!

The Italian Wars seem to be a very well-represented conflict at the moment, with numerous wargamers’ guides, rule sets and supplements in abundance. This book complements the author’s five-book series on the Italian Wars, also published by Helion. Predonzani tells the story with a nice, steady hand. The build-up is clear without being ponderous, and when the fighting kicks off it is brisk, sharp, and refreshingly uncluttered. The clash between French gendarmes, Swiss pikes, and Imperial shot is explained in a way that actually makes sense, which is no small achievement given how often Pavia gets buried under layers of myth and hindsight.

What really works is the sense of things going wrong very quickly. Command decisions unravel, formations lose cohesion, and suddenly this carefully planned campaign turns into a brutal scramble in woods, parks, and broken ground. Predonzani is particularly good at showing how firearms and terrain teamed up to ruin traditional assumptions about cavalry and shock tactics.

The maps and illustrations carry the book and are genuinely helpful rather than decorative. You can follow the action without constantly flipping back and muttering under your breath, which is always a good sign. The colour plates are amazing, especially the eight pages of the Pavia tapestries. The colour drawings, particularly that of Francis I and the one depicting the fight between the Imperial Landsknechts and the French Black Band, together with the banners, are also detailed and beautifully executed.

All told, this is a cracking account of one of the Renaissance period’s truly decisive battles. Clear, engaging, and very readable, it strips away the legend and leaves you with a fight that feels messy, dangerous, and very real. If you have ever wanted a book on the battle of Pavia that actually makes sense, this one is well worth your time. This is No. 33 in Helion’s superb and eclectic ‘from Retinue to Regiment 1453–1618’ series.

ISBN: 978-1-804518-34-2 161 pages Paperback

The Armée des Princes book review.

 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

The Honved War 1848 - 1849

If you're looking for a fascinating dive into one of history's more obscure conflicts, The Honvéd War – Armies of the Hungarian War of Independence 1848–1849 by Nigel J. Smith is a delightful read that offers both insights and a bit of adventure into Hungary’s struggle for independence in the mid-19th century. It is No. 47 of Helion’s from Musket to Maxim series. With a focus on the Hungarian army – the Honvéd – and their battle for freedom in 1848-1849, the author brings to life the drama, the tactics, and the triumphs (and defeats) of this bold but ultimately tragic campaign.

 

The writing style is such that it makes complex military movements and political intricacies easy to follow without feeling like you're drowning in military jargon. The author’s clear explanations about the structure and operations of the Hungarian army give you a fascinating snapshot of how this ragtag group tried to take on some of the most powerful forces in Europe at the time. And don’t worry, if you’re not a military expert, Smith’s easy-to-understand approach ensures you won’t be lost in the weeds of strategy.

 

One of the most enjoyable parts of the book is how it brings out the character of the Hungarian soldiers and commanders. These weren’t just faceless figures; Smith captures their determination, struggles, and, at times, their idealism. You get a real sense of the passion that drove the Honvéd forces, even if their hopes for independence were ultimately dashed.

 

The book also does a great job highlighting the broader context of the Hungarian Revolution, providing insights into how this conflict fits into the larger European movements of 1848, where revolution was in the air across the continent.  You will see how Hungary’s fight was part of a much bigger wave of change, giving readers a broader sense of the stakes involved.

 

The book looks first at the Imperial Kaiserliche-Konigliche Armee and how it was organised. We then have detailed chapters on the organisation of the Hungarian and Russian armies, followed by regimental organisation, tactics and weapons. The book rounds off with descriptions of the main commanders, the uniforms and flags and standards of each of the armies and orders of battle. A great deal of information has been packed into these chapters, and the author has drawn on a wide range of sources, including contemporary accounts, military records and private correspondence.

 

The battles and tactics are examined, with enough detail to satisfy military historians, history enthusiasts, casual readers and war gamers.

 

The book benefits from 14 gorgeous colour plates. Some are contemporary illustrations, but the others are specially commissioned pieces for the book. There are also a large number of black and white images, tables and charts explaining the organisation of the army and such like, a map of the region and several orders of battle, which are invaluable for anyone interested in perhaps wargaming the uprising.

 

The Honvéd War is a well-rounded exploration of an often-overlooked chapter in European history. It is educational and entertaining; more than enough to keep you turning pages. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about Hungary's struggle for independence, this book will give you enjoyment and insight into the war. If you are a wargamer, this book could hit your pocket hard! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fresh historical perspective!

 

ISBN 978-1-804515-60-3.   187 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

 

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.

A Mighty Fortress of God. The Siege of Munster 1534-1535. A Review

I have to admit that the subject of this latest book by Doug Miller is something I had never even heard of, as my focus has previously been on the wars in Italy taking place at the same time. I was looking forward to learning some new stuff, and was not to be disappointed.

A Mighty Fortress of God, the Siege of Munster 1534-1535 is one of the latest offerings in Helion’s excellent and growing series ‘from Retinue to Regiment’. 

In brief, in February 1534 Franz von Waldeck, the Catholic Bishop of Münster began a siege that would last for sixteen months. The Anabaptists holding Münster viewed it as the 'New Jerusalem',  and they resolutely resisted the bishop's forces. The Anabaptists fortified the city, and repelled numerous assaults while suffering from starvation, disease, and internal strife. Ultimately the defenders were be betrayed and the city fell.

Doug Miller brings the siege to life through the vivid accounts of contemporary witnesses and detailed historical research. We are taken on a step-by-step journey through the each aspect of the siege: the construction of earthworks, the organisation of defences, the failed attacks of 1534 to the dramatic betrayal that finally led to the collapse of the Anabaptist defence in June 1535, this account covers a key moment in Reformation-era history. The author also explores the motivations, leadership, and ideologies of both the besiegers and the besieged, offering an unparalleled and for me massive insight into the complexities of the Anabaptist movement, which was entirely new to me, and its extinction in Münster.

As ever with Helion books, we are provided with lots of specially-commissioned artwork of clothing and flags together with contemporary black and white images and photographs of surviving buildings and equipment. The numerous colour plates of troops and coats of arms are simply beautiful and are inspiring. I have to say the image of the Landsknecht longbow man came as a surprise, but the weapon’s continued use is perfectly plausible. There are some particularly useful colour maps of the area and the siege itself.

The appendices amongst other things include Bishop's Articles of War, and details of the actual costs of the siege.

This is a superb addition to the series and the author should be commended on the quality of his writing and research. As I said at the start of this review, I knew nothing of this siege but have now learnt a great deal about this fascinating episode set during the Reformation in Germany. I now even know who and what the Anabaptists were and what their beliefs were. Fascinating stuff.

ISBN 978-1-804515-55-6  141 pages soft

Royalist Newark 1642–1646

Royalist Newark, 1642-1646. Sieges and Siege Works by Stuart B. Jennings is another one of those books that covers specific aspects of the British Civil Wars so well. Following the old adage of eating the elephant in lots of small mouthfuls, Helion’s objective is, it seems to me at any rate, to feed us manageable chunks of information about discrete elements of the wars. This makes it possible to focus on much more detail than might be found in a sweeping general history, of which we have many. I think it works really well and has done much to draw me back towards the period.

So, this is the first comprehensive study of Newark in the civil war, from the outbreak of hostilities when the town was turned into a Royalist garrison, through three sieges until its final capitulation in May 1646. Wider operations in the region are also covered where their outcomes had an impact on the town. Extracts from personal and official correspondence are used effectively to support the narrative. Of particular interest is John Twentyman’s account which forms Appendix I which is reproduced faithfully. One little anecdote refers to the unfortunate fate of the writer’s uncle who died of gangrene after stubbing his toe! Ouch.

The narrative is well supported with a large number of black and white images. Many are contemporary, others are of paintings created a century or so later, and there are lots of photos of surviving arms and armour as well as of the castle and the remarkably preserved Queen’s Sconce. There are also a number of rather nice, informative and well-drawn colour maps of the surrounding area and of the sieges and siege lines.

This is another well researched and presented title to add to the growing number of British Civil Wars titles in the Century of the Soldier series.





ISBN 978-1-804515-49-8. Soft back 173 pages.

The Army of the Manchu Empire

First of all, thanks for all your messages of support in response to my previous post about goings on at the Burrow. They mean a great deal.

On to business, I would until now, and quite wrongly, have associated the author Michael Fredholm von Essen more with European and Scandinavian history than what is covered in this book. The Army of the Manchu Empire. The Conquest Army and the Imperial Army of Qing China, 1600–1727 is No.116 in Helion’s splendid and ever expanding Century of the Soldier series.

The author takes us on a journey through the history and campaigns of the Manchu in what may well be one of the first such accounts written in English. He focuses on the rise of the Qing, their armies, tactics and integrated military system and its development throughout the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

After an introduction to the Manchu Empire, there follow detailed chapters on the organisation of the army, uniforms, weapons, flags, standards, bravery awards and command, training, strategy and tactics. There is also a particularly interesting chapter on the uniforms and weapons of the reserves, militia and local forces. The battles and campaigns are not overlooked, and these are all described clearly, against the Ming, the Russians and the Mongols. I have an interest in the Russian expansion to the east in this period and the conflicts that were sparked off with the Chinese, and found this section really useful in adding to my admittedly limited understanding of events.

The book is full of contemporary black and white images depicting the Manchu soldiers. Some of these are from a later period but remain perfectly acceptable as they are illustrative of what troops wore in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries because much of their dress remained unchanged. There are also a good number of photos of surviving weapons, armour and clothing, and then of course there are the central colour plates. First are eight colour illustrations by Giorgio Albertini. These are simply wonderful. There follow six pages of eighteenth century colour paintings showing yet more types of soldiers, in action or on parade. Finally there are six pages of very colourful Chinese banners.

An unusual subject but one presented in an entertainingly well written and scholarly manner. I certainly enjoyed the book and am happy to give it a place in my library.

ISBN 978-1-804513-47-7 Soft covers. 252 pages.

Seventeenth Century Sewing B and the Battle of Fribourg - Two book reviews

Author Laurence Spring has again demonstrated the depth of his knowledge of all things military in the early seventeenth century, with this comprehensive and scholarly study of the clothing worn by soldiers of pretty much all nations involved in the Thirty Years War and the various conflicts which together make up the British Civil Wars.

The book covers every aspect of the dress of soldiers during this period, what was worn and how and when and probably if it was issued. We are then treated to a detailed analysis of the ‘end users’ and their dress across the many and varied armies and conflicts. Examples are the British army in the 1620s-1630s, the Trained Bands, the Bishops Wars, the Irish Rebellion, the various armies involved in the Civil War, including the Scots. Further chapters cover the Danes, French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedes and Holy Roman Empire, all of whom were ahead of the game when it came to soldiers’ clothing.

The level of detail is incredible yet a little daunting unless you know what it is you are after. Not a bad thing, and overall I found the premise and subject matter of the book well presented, nearly written and well supported by a range of contemporary quotes and correspondence.

The appendices are equally interesting and varied, covering as they an eclectic subject mix; Cecil’s army in 1625, Parliamentarian and Royalist coat colours, Thirty Years’ War coat colours and more. These are presented in tabular form and easy to follow.

The book is illustrated throughout with reproductions of contemporary images which provide a bit of visual context to the main narrative which is very helpful. The tables also dotted through the book provide a similar purpose and do so well.

I guess that the readership of this book will include re-enactors, wargamers, the casual reader with an interest in the seventeenth century as well as more serious scholars, historians and researchers. As a person who would be numbered among the ‘casual’ category I must say I found the book highly informative and the choice and presentation of the subject matter to be fascinating.

ISBN 978-1-804514-44-3. 346 pages, soft cover.

When one thinks of great French generals of the seventeenth century, Turenne and the Duc d’Enghien, the future Great Conde spring instantly to mind. So, with this new book Stephane Thion presents the reader with an immersive experience as the narrative leads us up to the climactic and costly battle(s) of Fribourg in August 1644.

Briefly, the author begins by providing us with an overview of the 1644 campaign, followed by quite comprehensive descriptions of each of the main commanders, Turenne, D’Enghein and the very capable Feldmarshall Mercy. The next two chapters are especially good, as they cover in some depth the French and Bavarian armies during the campaign, complete with lists of the regiments present and their strengths where known. Obviously the two chapters covering the battles on the 3rd and 5th of August form the core of the book, and I found them very useful when trying to get an understanding of the commanders’ actions and the performance of their subordinates and soldiers. A range of quotes and snippets from contemporary correspondence liven up the narrative nicely.

The book contains an impressive number of contemporary black and white images, and the centre spread of 14 wonderful colour plates, depicting a variety of troop types and personalities taken from original water colours by renowned artist Karl Alexander Wilke, and accompanied by three pages of regimental banners, some by Wilke and others by the author.

There are several full colour and quite detailed maps depicting the battle and the manoeuvres that led the armies to meet and fight. These would be of great use to anyone wishing to retreat the battle on the wargames tabletop.

This is No. 122 in Helion’s excellent Century of the Soldier series, and if the later Thirty Years War or indeed the exploits of the main protagonists are of interest to you then this book will not disappoint. I almost wish I'd kept my 30 Years War collections.......almost.


ISBN 978-1-804515-51-8. Soft covers 120 pages

Renato et Gloriam Army Lists for the Great Northern War and War of Spanish Succession

 

Players of Renato et Gloriam will be pleased to note the publication of this book of suggested army lists for the Great Northern War and the War of the Spanish Succession. Written by Simon Hall, Simon Clarke and Alasdair Harley and published by Helion this is a welcome addition to their Helion Wargames series.

There are 25 lists for the Great Northern War and 34 for the War of the Spanish Succession. These are not just generic lists, but do each focus on specific campaigns or battles, so for example, the Russian army of Peter the Great gets seven different lists, covering amongst others, Narva, Lesnaya, and the Pruth River. As well as the more usual armies, we are also given lists for rather more exotic armies such as the Khanate of Khiva, Cossacks, the Danubian Principalities.

The lists for the War of the Spanish Succession cover all of the major and minor players, again focusing to an extent on actual campaign and battles. In fact I would struggle to think of any nationality that has been omitted. Again, we get several different versions of the French armies of Louis XIV, the Holy Roman Empire and Great Britain.

The lists themselves are presented very clearly, each over one or two pages, and come with useful contextual historical notes as well as guidance on how to navigate each list. Each of the lists appears to be well researched and based on the armies I am familiar with are a true reflection of their composition. There is also quite a detailed section on generating terrain, which form part of the Pre Battle System (PBS) used in the rules and which represent the five days leading up to a battle and to determine the terrain over which the battle takes place.

Clearly a great deal of thought has gone into producing this book and it shows in the overall presentation. If you play ReG then these will be a very satisfying addition to your arsenal.



ISBN 978-1-804515-56-3 135 pages, soft covers, large format.

French Armies of the Thirty Years’ War

French Armies of the Thirty Years War 1618-1648 by Stephane Thion is another one of those books from Helion that pops up and elicits a whoop of joy, from me at any rate, covering as it does a period of great interest to me and many others. The French army of the period is somewhat of a mystery to me due largely to the absence of anything of substance in the English language. This new book more than serves that need in providing a comprehensive description of the French army during the period, from a small poorly trained force to a highly efficient, successful and well led army that was more than a match for its many enemies on the battlefield.

The author breaks the period down into three blocks. The first looks at the French army between 1534 and 1616, the second the years before the French entry into the Thirty Years’ War, that is, up to 1635, and the final block the war years of 1635 to 1648. The changes and improvements in the army across these blocks of time are explained clearly and helps set the scene for the chapters that follow.

We are given brief examination of the uniformity, or lack of it, found in the French army above regimental level together with the background behind the decision to limit the number of colours or ensigns carried by an infantry regiment in the field. This was a steady rather than instantaneous transformation, and there were of course exceptions to the rule (the Guards held on to more standards and each cavalry company bore their own ensign).

Much of the book is devoted to the French army on campaign between 1620 and 1648. Each of the main actions are covered and this section includes detailed orders of battle which will be particularly for wargamers wishing to recreate any of the battles of the period.

What is absolutely outstanding is the prolific use of eyewitness accounts and contemporary correspondence, which personalises the narrative, not just throughout the book, but as a discrete and engaging chapter.

One of this books main strengths are the illustrations it contains. We are presented with 14 glorious full colour pages of specially commissioned images; eight illustrating typical soldiers’ dress of the French army and six depicting many of the regimental flags carried by the army. The book also contains a significant number of black and white illustrations, many of which are contemporary images of a wide range of subjects, be they battles, soldiers’ drill movements.

This is an excellent book, clearly one that has been a well researched labour of love, and takes on a detailed subject admirably, presenting it in an easy to follow yet scholarly fashion. Highly recommended.

ISBN 978-1-804514-48-1 soft covers, 213 pages.

The Swabian War of 1499 - a review of a super book

Helion’s latest in their growing from Retinue to Regiment 1453-1618 series is The Swabian War of 1499 by Albert Winkler. The war was the first occasion where the feared Swiss faced the Landsknechts raised and indeed trained and equipped in their image by Maximilian von Habsburg the future Holy Roman Emperor. It was a relatively short war, yet costly in lives and destruction to land and property. Not a great deal has been published in English about this war, so this is bound to be an attraction to anyone interested in later Middle Ages and early Renaissance warfare and the rise of the Swiss’ and Landsknechts’ reputations as formidable soldiers.

The author first of all takes us through a brief description of the weapons and armour used by the Swiss, together with their dress, discipline (or lack of it), aggression on the battlefield, organisation and tactics. This sets the scene nicely for an introduction to the complex background and causes of the war.

The war itself is of course covered in detail, with opening moves and the plans of the opposing armies described clearly. While not wholly unified, the Swiss Confederation and the Grey Leagues proved superior in their strategy while the Empire was riven with petty squabbling, in-fighting and the scarcity of funds, which made things difficult to say the least. The major engagements of the war, at Schwaderloh, Frastanz, Calvert and Dornoch are covered in great detail, with excellent full page colour maps for each of them. Other operations surrounding these actions are also covered putting the whole campaign into context. It was indeed a very costly war in terms of the lives of soldiers and civilians, the land was laid waste, and ultimately neither side could see much point in continuing with the war, which came to an end in September 1499. The author’s analysis of the war and its impact on the participating countries is sobering - militarily and geopolitically it was senseless; nothing changed, no land was won or given up, and the relationship between the Swiss and the Empire remained essentially as it was before hostilities broke out. He does note however that in the rise of the Swabian Landsknechts the Swiss met a worthy and bitter foe.

There is the now expected and much anticipated central spread of eight pages of colour illustrations. For me the best of these are those original images depicting the appearance of the common soldiers on both sides. There is also a splendid, vibrant and very ‘busy’ reproduction of a near contemporary woodcut of the battle of Dornoch. We also get full page colour maps of three of the key battles of the war thus enabling the reader to follow the narrative on the maps, together with a wide selection of black and white images. Some of these are photos of surviving weapons and armour, while the rest, near contemporary and more than likely as close as you will ever get, are woodcuts, and are illustrative in their depiction of soldiers or scenes representative of the appearance of the men and the armies they served in.

The book is aimed at a broad target audience, from wargamers, military history enthusiasts and researchers to more serious historians, a job the author has done well, and will be of interest and perhaps even inspiration to them all. It certainly ticked all my boxes and I found the entire book well written and an incredibly informative and engaging read. An excellent addition to the series.

ISBN 978-1-804515-54-9 Soft covers 115 pages

Waging War in America - Review

 

This book takes a look at the operational challenges facing the British, French, Spanish, German states’ and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War of 1775 to 1783.

Author Don Hagist has put together a fascinating collection of essays from a number of extremely accomplished authors and military historians from the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, each focussing on one of the armies or one of the particular challenges facing the commanders, officers and men and indeed the wider civilian population. Putting this combination of expertise together within the pages of one book is an accomplishment in its own right, one which the author and Helion should be congratulated for, and allows readers to absorb the materiel presented and then, armed with this knowledge pursue their own particular lines of interest or research.

The stand-alone essays are clearly written, well researched and pose some challenges to popular thinking, and are particularly diverse in their subject matter. As an example, we have chapters covering the British army training objectives and their suitability for operations in North America, the tactics of the ‘Hessians’, the Loyalist militias of New York, the French and Spanish expeditions, problems facing the Continental Army and the impact of massacres on the frontier. There are a number of black and white illustrations, several useful maps and the authors make good use of original correspondence and documents to add to the narrative.

For those with an interest in the armies of the American Revolution this is a book you will find both enjoyable and enlightening.


From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815, No. 120
ISBN 978-1-804513-46-0 soft covers, 212 pages

 

Some quite appropriate holiday reading…….

Quintin Barry’s Suffren versus Hughes: The War in the Indian Ocean 1781-1783 covers a little known campaign which took place as an extension of the American Revolution. Britain and France fought for control the Indian Ocean, their respective squadrons fighting five major actions during the course of a two year period.

I cannot say, before reading the book, that I had much knowledge of this campaign so I was keen to add to my knowledge. Waging a naval war many thousands of miles away from home was a major achievement for both the British and the French commanders. This aside they faced different problems in their attempts to achieve the elusive decisive blow but were still able to maintain an effective presence in the waters of Indian Ocean, to the frustration of their opponents.

The author examines the background and characters of Suffren and Hughes, and offers a description of India in 1780, in particular the role of the Honourable East India Company in extending its sphere of influence over the Indian subcontinent. He also examines the far from perfect relationship between the French and Hyder Ali of Mysore and the latter’s campaign against the British. The strategic importance of the HEICs operations in India are always to the forefront, and the shadow of their influence over Hughes is never far away.

The naval actions involving these fleets are described in detail, and I was able to obtain a good understanding of how each battle developed and how final victory remained so elusive for either side. Orders of battle and some useful tactical maps, together with an abundance of contemporary references and quotations help with understanding the issues facing both commanders at each encounter. For me the most remarkable thing is that they were able sustain and maintain their respective fleets over the course of the campaign.

I really enjoyed this book, and learnt from it considerably. It is like all of Mr Barry’s books, well written, meticulously researched and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 No.125

ISBN 978-1-804513-39-2 soft back 221 pages

This week’s book of two sieges.

The moderately nice weather outside the Burrow recently meant more sitting in the garden reading than messing about on my computer/tablet with the latest iteration of Call of Duty, and the usual production line of painting has also continued at a fair pace (to be detailed in a post later this week). I’m still recovering the blitz visited on my games room just over a week ago, and it’s amazing how the process means that (a) I unearthed lots of stuff I’d forgotten I had or had misplaced, and, (b) I have since got no idea where various other stuff is that I was working on! Spooky.

I am picking up this review in Bangalore where it a pleasant mid to high 20s having arrived almost a week ago.

One of the latest new releases in Helion’s Retinue to Regiment series is The Sieges of Rhodes, 1480 and 1522 by Jonathan Davies has jumped my reviewing queue as the subject is something I have long held an interest in, and many a summer holiday was spent in Rhodes so I could explore the utterly impressive fortifications.

Jonathan gives us an epic tale of the two sieges, where the Knights Hospitaller of St John defied all the odds, successfully thwarting the Ottoman assault in 1480 and the heroic yet doomed defence during the siege of 1522 that so impressed the Sultan that the survivors were permitted to leave, ultimately finding a new home in Malta, but that as they say is another story.


Back to the book, the author sets the scene for the sieges within the broader Mediterranean and European context, and considers the difference between the Christian and Ottoman soldiers the tactics used, mining and counter-mining operations, artillery both old and new, weapons and armour, and the innovations in siege warfare such as fire weapons which were used with devastating effect by the Hospitallers. He also asks the question of how did vastly inferior forces do so well against overwhelming numbers of Ottomans, including the dreaded Janissaries? All in all a fascinating unpicking of the sieges.

The book contains a good selection of present day and contemporary images, both colour and black and white. The maps in the book include the earliest known example of a picture of Rhodes harbour, from around 1420. Many of the photos are of surviving weapons and armour, as well as several of the frankly awesome and extensive fortifications still standing. The colour plates are completed by a number of specially commissioned paintings of the banners used by the Hospitallers.

Enthusiasts of the Knights of St John and their exploits will love this book, as will amateur historians and wargamers, especially those with an eye on a challenging modelling project. I certainly found it an interesting and informative read.

ISBN : 978-1804514511 .246 pages soft covers.