"Is this a joke? Osprey on Camp Followers" Topic

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I can think of so many more needed titles.

Personally, I'm waiting for 'Mistresses of Maurice de Saxe'…

I thought it was a spoof too. It sounded like one for April 1st

Maybe they are trying to get a movie based on the book – like Zulu Dawn – oh wait, that was the other way around.

It's available for pre-order on Amazon.

The usual superficial fly-by-night treatment, I'm sure, of a topic already done by others and to a much greater depth with real references. For example:

Intrepid Women: Cantinières and Vivandières of the French Army by Thomas Cardoza | Apr 5, 2010.

I bought this several years ago. Worth the asking price.

Excellent pick and I have had it for some time-it is highly recommended.

On the other hand, I think I will quite appreciate this book. I like to include the echelon areas with camp followers, cantinieres etc. on my table when appropriate. Currently there is no one source for suggestions on dress and colours. The excellent book already mentioned informs on actions and activities but does not help me recreate the look of the individuals concerned.

I am looking forward to this Osprey.

Dilettantes talk tactics; professionals study logistics. Camp followers were a key element in the logistical support of pre-twentieth century armies.

Also, there are a great many female reenactresses who interpret Napoleonic camp followers who would love this book.I might even buy it for my wife!

Perhaps "The Many Loves of Augustus the Strong?"

Many years ago, for April, in one of the wargames magazines, they suggested an Osprey release on 'Underwear of the Third Reich (Vol 1)'. Maybe that will be released next year as well.

As has been stated before, there are so many other more potentially useful subjects that would be more useful. I can think of books on Napoleonic Danish, Swedish, and Wurttemburg armies.

I would only buy it for the articles.

Does the book have a centerfold?

"Brothels and Speakeasies of Minden"

Haven't they already done "Uniforms & Costumes of Hermann Georing"…?

As has been stated before, there are so many other more potentially useful subjects that would be more useful.

But somebody has to write them. And fit them within the framework of Osprey's various series. And want to work with Osprey. Also, Osprey has to want to work with them.

Relevant to the first two points: the Napoleonic Russian infantry and cavalry MAAs came out in 1987. The intervening 30+ years have certainly produced both scholars and scholarship in the Napoleonic Wars in general and the Russian armies in particular. Laurence Spring comes (or springs) to mind and he wrote a Warrior volume on Russian Grenadiers and Infantry in 2002.Do we really believe that the lack of an artillery and specialist troops volume is because Osprey is more keen to release "Fairey Fulmar Aces of the Fleet Air Arm"? Or is it more likely that no one has either stepped forward or felt able to confine themselves to the required page count and style?

To the latter points, I've read numerous accounts of authors who had unhappy relationships with Osprey. I've also read accounts of Osprey having unhappy relationships with authors. For example, Dave Hollins aired his grievances here some years ago. I have no idea who was in the right in that situation, but Dave seemed like someone who was extremely challenging to work with, and I say that as a big fan of his books.

Forgot to mention the idea of the target audience. When conventions happen again, I'll probably pick up a copy of this Osprey from Wally's if someone has it in the $5 USD-$8 range. Why? because I'm interested enough to spend a few dollars on a slim overview but not enough to invest time and money on Cardoza.

I'll reserve my response until I have a proper appreciation of the content – it may surprise me. As far as usefulness is concerned, I was only speculating the other day how to include interesting non-combatant vignettes into my wargames. Listening to the Kingmaker audio-books made me think about how the archers, once they withdrew after loosing all their arrows in the initial exchange would be supplied beer by local brewers (many of them women). I thought they could be paid for point wise and then they could rally a point of stamina off (Hail Caesar) or remove casualties. So, how might these morale boosting later-period camp followers be equipped? Osprey may soon have the answer.

I suspect Osprey know their business – they have been a very successful publisher over several decades. I have a copy of Cardoza, but I will certainly put in an order for this new Osprey. My shelves are – and will remain – bare of all those worthy tomes on the Danish, Swedish and Wurttemberg armies.

Dilettantes talk tactics; professionals study logistics.

Professionals should study both.

It's probably an interesting read but, to me, Osprey has priced themselves out of the market.

Excellent pick and I have had it for some time-it is highly recommended.

How did you manage that, when it's not out until March 2021?

Yeah, what he said!

Did somebody mention 'underwear of the Third Reich'?

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How did you manage that, when it's not out until March 2021?

Yeah, what he said!

I was referring to this publication which was mentioned in the previous post to mine to which you are referring.

Intrepid Women: Cantinières and Vivandières of the French Army by Thomas Cardoza | Apr 5, 2010.

Both of you should actually read the postings and figure out what is being referred to. It really isn't difficult…

Like I said, I've had that volume for years.

That's how I 'managed that.'

Silly me. I thought you were referring to WHAT IS IN THE TITLE.

I think I'd be more interested if it was a book on civilian AND camp follower attire, rather than just the latter, but Ospreys business is Ospreys to run.

I think on balance I'm more pleased to see this Uber niche title than another zombie guide or graphic history book.

I was a bit discouraged to see Osprey trying to break into the rules realm until I played a Lion Rampant at a minicon and was duly impressed. Impressed enuf to buy a copy.

Probably more "woke" than "joke," but, on balance, why not.

Granted they're the motherlode of passable information and have fed several industries, not just their own for quite some time.

I'll be amused by how they dance around the obvious inferences knowing their audience will include adolescent males (by brain or age), but I'll never buy it.

While the 'public' are pleased with results (if not pricing) clearly their business model and methods are to some extent toxic to their authors (on-off no perpetual royalty etc.) so of limited use and reward to their efforts.

And I've seen just enough of business to see and feel the effects of single-minded hard line management and its' effect on people. I'd not criticise others for demonstrating their reactions.

We've seen 'industries' go through this, giGGlez n Farcburk are both approaching their tipping point obviously for similar reasons.

However it seems C-19/2020 has taught some people, nothing. The entitled continue to enrich themselves and everyone else has to submit.
respectfully, d

"The entitled continue to enrich themselves and everyone else has to submit."
Strewth – it's just a book!!!!

Do keep up old boy, we're crossing subjects and morals, not the book!

Why all the fuss? As far as I am aware, Osprey don't publish books only for wargamers. Their titles are for anyone interested in anything military and like it or not, camp followers were part of military history.

Of course there are many actions and campaigns many of us would prefer to see in print and as yet remain unpublished. And it might not be an area as interesting as other aspects of military history, such as battles, campaigns, tactics, weapons etc, but no one is forced to buy the title. And it might be far more interesting than some think. (and it might not, of course)

don't miss the other great joke from Osprey in 2021 :

the title explores and illustrates the armies of France, and 6 countries allied against Louis XIV, in a wide-ranging Continental conflict that ushered in more than a century of European warfare.

Formed in 1689, the League of Augsburg was an alliance of nations comprising the Holy Roman Empire, the Dutch Republic, Spain and the Duchy of Savoy, who were intent on standing firm and fighting against Louis XIV's rich, powerful and expansionist France. They were engaged in a long conflict against the Sun King known as the War of the Grand Alliance. This conflict was notable for the first widespread use of uniform clothing, flintlock musket and bayonet, and for the birth of sophisticated siege warfare under the great French engineer, Vauban. While the League of Augsburg had been fighting against Louis XIV on the continent, Britain had been involved in its so-called Glorious Revolution that saw the political ascendancy of William of Orange.
This fully illustrated title explores the armies which fought in the War of the League of Augsburg by examining their organization, uniforms and arms. Also, the various military factions that participated in the Glorious Revolution, most notably the multi-national army of William of Orange (comprising Dutch as well as English and Danish units) and the Jacobite troops who operated in Ireland.

yes dear ladies and gentlemen the Armies of France and Jacobite Allies, Holy Empire, Spain, Piedmont, Netherlands, England, Portugal, to not say Swedish and Danish contingents 9 years of war in Europe and America in one single 40 pages and 8 plates volume, the same treatment as previously given to the Armies of the 21 years of the Great Northern War…next?

the Piedmontese Army alone in such war at Helion, one book 216 pages

Lillian

Er, the book you displayed is not Napoleonic? The forthcoming title on the Camp Followers is? So not sure what you are trying to say? And I don't think any of us, based on previous Osprey titles experienced, expect Men-at-Arms titles to be more than an introduction into whatever topic, subject, army, regiment, uniform they might cover, although some are pretty more detailed than others. But as a starter to gain people's interest and to lead to other more detailed titles and works, they work very well and are hard to beat, which, I presume is why they are so popular.

Yikes, some of these sexist comments. I sometimes forget most wargamers are aging boomer dinosaurs.