"Opinions on Quintin Barry's 2 volume "Fanco-Prussian War"" Topic

I am considering picking it up, but it is not cheap. I am hoping that it will go into more detail than Howard or Wawro. Does it do so? Is it more of a military or a political history?

It is entirely military with little more than a recitation of events. It is very thorough in that it covers the history, but it may be the driest, most boring, and dull history I've ever read. The maps are very poor, and without them much of the text is almost indecipherable. The photos and illustrations are few and uninspired. Possibly of some use as a reference, but there are many better written and far clearer works on the topic.

If you are an insomniac, it could be used as a cure. The two volumes could also be used to hold down the edges of unrolled maps.

If you are interested I would like depart of my copy. I have both volumes and would sell them for 29 euros each, post and packing included.

It is as Piquetone says: thorough but boring. The plus are the exhaustive orders of battle. As reference can be useful, but as reading I would't recommend it.

It depends on what you want. If you're looking for detail you won't find anywhere else, they're worth it. There isn't a lot of material available on the FPW, so if it is going to be a primary interest, they're again probably worth it. If it is a side period or secondary temporary interest, stick to the Howards, Wawros, etc. for shorter survey works.

If what you are actually after is OBs and Maps, then just pick up a copy of the rules '1870'.