Despite modern perceptions of the overwhelming image of Confederate soldiers dressed in their classic battledress gray; the Southern states of the Confederacy fielded many units of volunteer troops wearing a remarkably wide variety of uniforms; often reflecting foreign influences. In a spirit of independence many states also issued their own uniform regulations on the outbreak of the War Between the States; and these non-standard uniforms were often retained until well into the course of the Civil War (1861-1865). The regulation patterns centrally prescribed by the Confederate Army were only ever followed unevenly; and state quartermasters continued to issue uniforms showing regional and state differences. This fourth of a series of six titles studies the archival and pictorial evidence for the infantry; cavalry and artillery of Virginia - the heart of the Confederacy and its richest; most populous and militarily strongest state; and of Arkansas; which despite its much smaller population; fielded several interesting units. The expert text; which draws extensively on contemporary documents; is illustrated largely with fascinating early photographic portraits showing the haunting faces of the young soldiers caught up in the horror of war and classic color artwork recreations of their uniforms.
#2147221 in Books Pen and Sword 2011-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.39 x 1.18 x 6.42l; 1.44 #File Name: 1844159272256 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A well-written military biographyBy Jonathan BaumA very good narrative of the life and career of Vauban; Louis XIV's master engineer. The book is well-written and manages to cover Vauban's sieges and constructions in an engaging manner (while placing them in the geographic and strategic contexts) and also captures the man himself; as much as humanly possible. My only complaint is that a book that is centered on the construction and capturing of early gunpowder-era fortifications needs more illustrations to help those of us who don't know a ravelin from a demi-lune. The small illustration and rear-of-book glossary are inadequate for that task. There should also be more maps to illustrate the campaigns which whirled around the fortresses; and the locations of the forts built by Vauban in the southern parts of the kingdom. But all-in-all; first class. An important contribution to the understanding of war and the state in early modern Europe and France.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful historical book of an amazing manBy Mark S WaubenA wonderful historical book of a amazing man who was a hero for defending France from its enemies during a time when warfare was changing the boundries of europe.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. great engineerBy david l. porembaOne of the greatest military engineers of all time was Sebastien Le Pestre; Marshall Vauban; whose fortifications are still extant in such French cities as Mons; Lille and Cambrai; despite the determined efforts of belligerent nations at war with France since the seventeenth century and French city planners themselves.Born in Burgundy on May 1; 1633 and well educated at a Carmelite college; Vauban joined the Regiment de Condeì in 1652; hoping to make his fortune with his sword. He would serve his king for the next fifty-two years. He began his military career as a cavalryman; brave and dashing; while also observing the art of his craft; namely; fortifications and their use in offensive and defensive operations. He learned to view these structures of brick and stone from a different perspective than others engineers. He could spot flaws in the angles and proportions of the defensive works that were in front of him. Vauban also worked to perfect a method of attacking fortifications effectively and at the least cost in blood and treasure.As Louis XIV expended French territory throughout the latter half of the seventeenth century; it became Vauban's job to establish a defensive system to protect the country. On a hectic schedule; he inspected existing structures and designed others. The effort wore him out mentally and physically.Falkner's expertise in seventeenth and eighteenth century warfare is evident in the details and easy flow of the narrative. He ably blends Vauban's life and contributions with a general discussion of siege warfare during this time period. Vauban's influence on the history of warfare is enduring and this book is an excellent starting point for those with an interest in this period.
