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