Recently I had an offer for help to become a better figure painter and the figure decided upon was a French Line Infantry Lieutenant 1870 in the Franco Prussian war. Another of the figures as a option was a Foot Guard Hauptman. Well my education on the Franco Prussian war was sadly lacking. Lucky I had a gift card to a book store and decided to get the Osprey Men at Arms series of books covering this subject. I just recieved Men at Arms 416 German Armies 1870-71 vol 1 and Men at Arms 422 German Armies 1870-71 vol2.
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Both books are 48 pages soft cover and the first describes the Prussian army, while the second discusses the Austrians and other Germanic principalities. What I did not realize was that Germany was not a homogeneous country because the various factions prevented it. With France under Napoleon III declaring war on these peoples one empire was destroyed another created and Germany became unified.
Quite an interesting read. Vol 1 describes the Prussian army and has a chronological timeline of the actions of this war from beginning to end. Personalities are discussed and there are quite a few period pictures. 8 pages of beautifully drawn and coloured plates will be a boon for a figure painter or maker. Uniforms and branches of the army are discussed.
Vol 2 carries on and has a breakdown of the various principalities. Baden, Bavaria, Brunswick, Hesse-Darmstadt, Mecklenburg, Saxony, and Wurttemburg are all covered. Again 8 plates to entice you and more photographs and drawings.
For anyone who has never seen or read a Men at Arms book I highly recommend them. Many time periods and confilicts are covered and they are constantly writing new book. Even if you never paint they are an entertaining and educational read from what ever time period you enjoy. Well worth the $20.00 each.
James
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Both books are 48 pages soft cover and the first describes the Prussian army, while the second discusses the Austrians and other Germanic principalities. What I did not realize was that Germany was not a homogeneous country because the various factions prevented it. With France under Napoleon III declaring war on these peoples one empire was destroyed another created and Germany became unified.
Quite an interesting read. Vol 1 describes the Prussian army and has a chronological timeline of the actions of this war from beginning to end. Personalities are discussed and there are quite a few period pictures. 8 pages of beautifully drawn and coloured plates will be a boon for a figure painter or maker. Uniforms and branches of the army are discussed.
Vol 2 carries on and has a breakdown of the various principalities. Baden, Bavaria, Brunswick, Hesse-Darmstadt, Mecklenburg, Saxony, and Wurttemburg are all covered. Again 8 plates to entice you and more photographs and drawings.
For anyone who has never seen or read a Men at Arms book I highly recommend them. Many time periods and confilicts are covered and they are constantly writing new book. Even if you never paint they are an entertaining and educational read from what ever time period you enjoy. Well worth the $20.00 each.
James