So I saw this over a month ago on an OMM post here on TMP. I was intrigued but I don't usually purchase coffee-table sized books unless they're $ 1-5 at a garage sale or used-bookstore. My wife also appreciates that there have been no additions to my library since I bought a huge, 5-kilo, Ferraris Atlas.
So thinking about my lonely Ferraris atlas (of Belgium of course) I immediately got my credit card out and ordered it. After some communication and excellent service from OMM, it arrived. I admit I was having reservations… buyers regret. Then it arrived. No regret!
It's another heavy tome… about 2.5 k… but can be read in the 'library' when peace and tranquility is essential.
Covers the major services (inf, cav, Art-Eng), senior military leaders and a special section on De Ligne as a military theorist, from the 7 Years war, Brabant Revolution, French Revolution and then the Napoleonic Wars, in Hapsburg service.
Admission – I decided to purchase this book because it covers the evolution of the Latour Dragoon, then Chevauleger then Light Dragoon regiment. Since reading Phipp's description of this regiment wearing cocked hats in his exploration of the French Revolutionary War (repeated by Haythornwaithe in Osprey's Austrian Army #2 Cavalry) I have been looking for some definitive research to verify or disprove this. Alas… no resolution forthcoming. Still, it is an excellent source of information and covers a number of engagements that I was not aware of.
I was a bit disappointed that there was only a mention of Ferraris and the Ferraris Atlas near the conclusion of the book. It seemed promising until I turned the page to see that the paragraph trailed off into a list of officers assigned to the artillery school.
All-in-all… I'm pleased. No regrets. Back to my library I go! ;)
goes to sea with the Terrain Mat.
