In the theater of war; how important is costume? And in peacetime; what purpose does military spectacle serve? This book takes us behind the scenes of the British military at the height of its brilliance to show us how dress and discipline helped to mold the military man and attempted to seduce the hearts and minds of a nation while serving to intimidate civil rioters in peacetime. Often ridiculed for their constrictive splendor; British army uniforms of the early nineteenth century nonetheless played a powerful role in the troops' performance on campaign; in battle; and as dramatic entertainment in peacetime. Plumbing a wide variety of military sources; most tellingly the memoirs and letters of soldiers and civilians; Scott Hughes Myerly reveals how these ornate sartorial creations; combining symbols of solidarity and inspiration; vivid color; and physical restraint; enhanced the managerial effects of rigid discipline; drill; and torturous punishments; but also helped foster regimental esprit de corps. Encouraging recruitment; enforcing discipline within the military; and boosting morale were essential but not the only functions of martial dress. Myerly also explores the role of the resplendent uniform and its associated gaudy trappings and customs during civil peace and disorder--whether employed as public relations through spectacular free entertainment; or imitated by rioters and rebels opposing the status quo. Dress; drills; parades; inspections; pomp; and order: as this richly illustrated book conducts us through the details of the creation; design; functions; and meaning of these aspects of the martial image; it exposes the underpinnings of a mentality--and vision--that extends far beyond the military subculture into the civic and social order that we call modernity.
#842895 in Books 2011-10-15 2011-09-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .70 x 6.00l; .60 #File Name: 0674062132240 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Political Science of the FutureBy HonestOpinEric Nelson at once provides a highly focused look into our political past; while at the same time; unknowingly provides a glimpse into our political future.The Reformation radically changed the way men approached political science. As Nelson points out; "It became the central ambition of political science to approximate; as closely as possible; the paradigm of what European authors began to call the respublica Hebraeorum (republic of the Hebrews)." Previous authors had looked elsewhere for political guidance; now they would have to look to "the perfect constitution designed by the omniscient God." Old Testament Israel was now seen as the Divine model to imitate in political affairs.Nelson focuses on three major political areas impacted by the "Hebrew Revival" as he tags it: exclusive republican government; the inseparable link between land distribution and political liberty; and religious toleration. Nelson does not extrapolate his excellent study into the future; but it will become obvious to the student of history that the American colonies were major beneficiaries of the "Hebrew Revival"; continuing its trajectory long after European counterparts had jumped ship. The radical politics of Thomas Jefferson can be seen as rooted in the study of God's Law; as Jefferson drank deeply from James Harrington; a major player in the period under Nelson's scope. After reading the Hebrew Republic; it will become apparent where Jefferson got his desire to distribute 50 acres of land to practically every adult male in Virginia in order to secure widespread political liberty.What happened?Nelson locates the demise of the "Hebrew Revival" in the demise of faith in the God of the Old Testament Scriptures; a product of the 18th Century Age of Reason. I would add it was later joined by the Age of Escape; as Christian theology abandoned the transformation of planet earth in the name of Christ; and morphed into escapism. Nevertheless; if we are to believe the God of the Old Testament Scriptures; the "Hebrew Revival" is not just a thing of the past; for it is the ultimate destiny of all nations.I highly recommend Hebrew Republic; and commend Eric Nelson on his work.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. How the Reformation introduced Hebrew studies; and how Hebrew studies informed our Constitution.By charlene at Dosido BookshelfI have always heard that the founding fathers designed a new form of government drawn from long study of classic sources and debate among learned scholars. But I never questioned who were these sources. Eric Nelson; in this 229-page book (including notes and index); introduced me to many of these classic Greek and Roman sources by way of analysis alongside the introduction of classic Hebrew sources. I agree with others who comment that it is a vast subject to compress in under 300 pages. But Eric Nelson writes well and I appreciated the brevity; since I would not be able to tackle a much larger work. I have tagged a dozen pages with quotes to share with friends; and bracketed many sections to review before I shelve the book. I think it is worth keeping as a good reference work.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Origin of our democracy.By A happy purchaserA very good analysis of our western culture and morals and ethics; showing that its origin was largely from the bible as well as Greco-Roman instutions.
