"Illustrated History AWI..." Topic

Does anyone know how well this will work for painting minis over the course of the whole war? I'm trying to just buy 1 book instead of a bunch of Ospreys. Thanks for recommendations.
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Have you seen this book?

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This is still a classic work

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I own all three of the books mentioned. Troianis is one the best. Mollo is good but has a few questionable plates. I like the book you mention Kenshin. However, like most of those books in the series there are some plates that are incorrect.
You are likely better served by owning several of these rather than just one. If cash is a concern I'd start with Mollo then Troianis finally the book you mention. Baccus has a decent Uniform guide for free on their site.

Hth,

John

Thank you John and History! Added all 3 to my wish list!

Cheers.

U.K.

Not wanting to confuse things but I own the SMith book as well as a number of Ospreys and I can sincerely recommend the Smith book.

It contains some layout mistakes and some wrong (or at least debatable) plates but it has a wealth of pictorial. What also helped was that the book was on sale….

Troiani is definitely recommended as well.

I've had this one for decades. On the negative side, it's a little expensive now, and it's not comprehensive. But the illustrations and information are good:

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You will greatly enjoy the next one. It's slim, but great. It has no less than thirteen full-color uniform and battle paintings by the late, great, H. Charles McBarron. I am glad to see that it is available at an affordable price.

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Hope this helps!

Jeff

There is an Osprey compilation that has all three "King George's Army" along with the 2-3 books on the rebel scum in one volume. The Mollo volume is good also.

$23 USD for the Smith book is a good price. It is a decent book, has a couple of typos where the description of two figure drawings are reversed, but I'm willing to overlook that slight blemish .

Okay, now I remember looking at this book at a recent convention. I think the answer is – it depends on how fussy you are about your research, and what you are using it for.

For me, I passed on buying this book, as I saw too many things that were undocumented and made up. But, I am looking at it from the perspective of a re-enactor (not a wargamer) who wants to make sure a certain button is correct. It is that level of detail that appeals to me. For wargaming, this book is probably okay.

I'll look again when I see it next. I also thought they same on a book just dealing with British uniforms. I'll see if I can find the link to that one.

Here is the other one I was thinking of:

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There were too many things in this one (from a re-enactor's perspective) that seemed to have been made up. For wargaming, probably okay.

Too many good choices! Im starting out with Smith's book and will go from there. Thanks again.

I like the Digmy Smith book as it is easy to get inspired. However, there are some glaring errors. I got my copy for $10 USD (when I had a job!) and am glad I did.

Mollo is great if you can get a copy.

I don't have the mentioned Troiani book (I have civil war prints and another of his books) His work is pretty spot on.

Also, check the blog Tarleton's Quarter. Giles has a great site and has done a fair share of research.

Okay, bought both Troiani's and Smiths's books. Already had Mollo's. You guys are in soooo… much…. trouble when my wife finds out I did that. I'll stick up for you as much as I can though. Good luck! Jeez….
Kind regards
Anthon

The problem, especially for the Americans is that there is no "one" answer to any particular regiment, as their coats and colors changed so often during the period.

Okay HG, I'll try that one, not sure she's going to buy it. I'm thinking my "collection" may be donated shortly after my disposal.
Regards
Anthon

I hope your "disposal" is sometime off. :-)

The problem, especially for the Americans is that there is no "one" answer to any particular regiment, as their coats and colors changed so often during the period.

I for one, am not about to paint up a different 1st Continental Light Dragoons for every different uniform.
Nor, for the 3rd either.
Nor will I have a different painted regiment for every variant version of the 23rd Foot on the Bad Guy side!

The 23rd Foot had variants!

All units had variations. The Doodle ones just tended to be more drastic (various coat colors) over time.

I agree John, you can't do them all. :-)

You guys are a bad influence! I had to get the Troiani book and a couple Ospreys because ofnthe thread. I must resist the urge to not paint up variants Ike I did for my ww2 forces. I did succumb to not using the plastic perry Brits for light infantry. They seem to lack those things on their shoulders… Roundabouts? Still learning the terminology for the period uniforms.

Round hats – hats left uncocked or turned up just on one side.

Roundabouts – a short jacket with no facings, closes in the front in a single breasted fashion

The wings are found on Lights and grens.

Good info. Thank you!

I'm sure its listed elsewhere but if anyone has the Smith book and is aware of any glaring errors can you please list them here if not too numerous?

Wow! I've got all the books linked to here! An achievment, I feel! My personal favourite is still the Mollo & Mc Gregor.

That's one of the first I reach for too. :-)

Got the Smith book today. Very useful. Thanks for all the tips. I'll be delving into the British units tonight!

Uesugi – Tell us which units you are doing, as there are a lot of mistakes in the British/Loyalist section.

Thanks SM. 23 , 33 and 71st, Guards, and Guards lights.