"Spanish Infantry Book by Gerald Cronin" Topic

I am thinking of getting this book on Spanish Infantry in the Peninsula War years, but it's not cheap.

Spanish Infantry of the Early Peninsular War: Uniforms, Organisation and Equipment of the Line and Militia by Gerald Cronin

So, I am wondering if any one has it, is worth getting, i.e. are the color plates good, or is it mostly art showing the various 1805 white uniforms. I am looking for more information on he 1808-1812 period.

Thank you,

Terry

Well Terry, going by Amazon U.K. you can pick it up for about £37.00 GBP (about $52.00 USD)

There's even a review and publishers overview

link

Paul :)

I previously said I didn't need it as I had enough references from other sources, but I have now bought it and it is a very good reference. Thoroughly recommended.

Does it look back at all to the evolution of uniforms up to this period from the old eighteenth century period?
Thanks
C

Terry64

The author's work is discussed in the Napoleonic Media-topic: Early Spanish Cavalry, which I believe is the second volume on the Spanish Army. There is a link in one of the posts to more details.

They look very interesting books, but for the small number of pages and the fact the title only covers up to 1809, it does seem a little pricy. Saying that, they are both on my to get list. But there are so many titles becoming available this year, at that price, they will struggle to reach the top of my list, which is annoying because I would love both titles.

Thank you all. Sounds like it might be worth the cost.

Terry

Dear Terry
Both of our volumes are available from the publisher, Ken Trotman Ltd. There is information into the mid period of the Penisular War. This is a very difficult area. There were at least 5 different changes in uniforms.

The Spanish Infantry of the Early Peninsular War which is now back in print. Both are £35.00 GBP from the publisher.
kentrotman.co.uk/contact

Spanish Cavalry of the Early Peninsular War
link

Stephen

The authors and publishers will not be appearing in the tabloid papers over the next few days…based on the massive earnings from these publications. Whether our PM is doing so…..that is a different matter………… (The World has gone mad, but I do not want to be in the DawgHouse)

I do not see the writers earning enough, from what must be massive research, to be toasting each others' good health in some Mediterranean bolt hole.

This is a fringe topic. Income/profit will be marginal………

Compare the cost with a half dozen figures (wrongly painted) and the time you took to finish them. Worse, you paid some one else, to do them wrongly.

Forgive me. It is the non wargamer, but keen collector, painter, attitude. I could not look at figures I had not created myself…actually I could and have……..I used them to inspire my own work…

Oh shut up Deadhead

If you are interested in the Spanish army this is a great investment. Since I'm currently working on a Spanish army in the early years of the Peninsula War this is my go to source.

I always get so confused after reading one of Mr.deadhead insightful responses, I think?

It is like Quantum Physics…if you understand my postings…then you have missed the point!

I think what I meant was that the cost is marginal compared with the work one invests in one's figures.

I think that was what I meant. But decoherence is a funny thing………..

deadhead

The problem is that the high cost for the low number of pages offered and limited period covered, may put some people off, especially when they may be able to buy two other titles for the price of one Spanish title. eg: You could buy both of Napoleon's Last Army titles due out in July for the same price as one Spanish book.

They are, of course, specialist publications and may only attract those interested in the early Spanish Army, which is why the publishers have probably given them such a high cost, since they know they won't be that popular, compared, for example, to books on Waterloo or other armies. But very often prices are reduced, eventually.

Anyway, I really want both titles so I shall do the lottery next week and hope for the best. I was considering writing to the gas and electric people but I don't think they would share my enthusiasm or reasoning for owning the books. LOL

Stephen, Thank you for your post I am going to contact them and see how much the postage will be, and if it's not too bad I'll order both as it is definitely a fair price. I am a big fan of the Spanish due to their multitude of uniforms, so really want these books for my collection. Your post may have just made it happen!

Thanks again,

Terry

I could add that I have been collecting info on Spanish Napoleonic uniforms for 50 years, have everything published in Spanish (I think) and can say that Gerald and Stephen's book has all the most up-to-date information, especially on which units actually got issued which uniforms (1802 uniform, 1805 uniform, etc.). If you want a well-researched and published product that is not just N0 547 in THE very successful series of the hobby, then it is bound to cost a little more.

Teodoro Reding

Will you please stop saying good things about these books. My to-get list is already showing one Ancient title to buy in June, one Ancient title to buy in July, and even without the Spanish Infantry and Cavalry books, three new Nap tiles to buy in July. And that's on top of other titles already available that I have not bought yet. These books are going to put me on the streets. Is there no end to such temptation! LOL

Gents

Both the Spanish books will be available at Salute
at my stand number TFOI there has been a lot of interest
so additional copies will be available…the book will be for sale on my site as well for those punters unable to attend the event…under Gringo40a publications..along with volume one!

regards Ged ( aka GERARD Cronin)
gringo40s.com
gringo40s.blogspot.com
Gringo40s facebook and Twitter

Looking forward, hopefully, to seeing some further reviews/opinions on them being posted here in the not too distant future.

Jammy Four, is that a hint as to what the mysterious new Napoleonics may be???

Dear Deadhead
The authors might just be able to afford a cup of tea from the earnings from the book. Certainly not the champagne that you elude to. Writing books is a way of funding further research into other armies.

There is still much to learn about the Spanish Army. According to the Spanish Army and Flag expert Luis Sorando Muzas "Tu trabajo es muy bueno. Una excelente recopilación que no existe ni siquiera en España." This is quite a compliment to Gerard and I.

It is hoped that others will build upon this work and further the understanding of the army. The regular army and its officers were the backbone of the resistance. Many were leaders of Guerilla bands.
Stephen

summerfield

Bit of a contradiction there. Compare 'The authors might just be able to afford a cup of tea' with 'Writing books is a way of funding further research into other armies.'

Can't be much money made for further research if the authors can just about afford a cup of tea? LOL

Dear John
When already any money made has been already "invested" ahead of time. Then all that is left is enough money for a cup of tea especially at Exel prices. Alas I do no longer have the time or money to further my wargaming.

Currently finishing a book on the Prussian Napoleonic Guard as part of the Military Colours series. MC-001 Westphalian Guard has been very well recieved. Video review of the book.
YouTube link

Stephen

Hi Stephen

Thanks for not taking my posts too seriously. We seem to be spoilt for new Napoleonic titles these days, I'm pleased to say. Anyway, your two Spanish books are on my to-get list.

And I wish I had been aware of the Westphalian Guard book a few weeks ago. That would have been a definite. But I have already obtained some Westphalian titles, such as George Streets brilliant book, the Osprey title and Cranz's Uniformology booklet. But I will still put it on my to-get list.

I'll get them, eventually.

@Teodoro Reding

Thank you for helpful review

John

Some photographs from the book by Luis Sorando Muzas. I will have to wait patiently for 16 April at SALUTE to see the book.
link

Stephen

Much appreciated.

Chokidar

………….all will be revealed soon !!
Napoleonic French Generals first at Salute
and of course book two a per above and in my
hands as we speak for onward transmission
to the Excel centre and Salute all reserved
copies will be to hand as promised

regards
Ged
gringo40s.com
gringo40s.blogspot .com
Stand TF01 at SALUTE

I was glad to get to see some of the art work in the cavalry book. As I was hoping it would be and makes me even more anxious to get both books! Soon, very soon!

Terry