This superb and comprehensive book details the foreign units which formed such an important part of Napoleon's forces. It examines each non-French unit in turn; giving an overview of the unit's origins; its organizational and combat history; its uniforms and standards; and details of the unit's eventual fate. Colorful accounts; taken from contemporary reports and memoirs; emphasize the qualities of the unit and throw light on what life was like for many of the foreign soldiers recruited into the Grande Armée. In total more than 100 different foreign units that served in the French Army are investigated in detail in this ambitious publication.Some foreign units fought and flourished throughout the Consulate and Empire; whilst others lasted for just a few months. Covers Polish; German; Swiss; Italian; Spanish; and other units in the French Army and presents a combat history and details uniforms for each regiment. Napoleon's Mercenaries is the best single-volume study of this aspect of Napoleon’s army and a vital reference for every Napoleonic enthusiast.“Little can be found on the foreign units that were an integral part of the French army ... For a long time a gap has existed; but now Napoleon’s Mercenaries fills this gap.†Robert Burnham; Napoleonic Series
#1186644 in Books 2007-05-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .43 x 5.51l; .54 #File Name: 1846772362188 pages
Review
4 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A Napoleonic readers must have.By CustomerA short but detailed history of Napoleons Jena Campaign of 1806. Written in early 1900's by a English Military Officer that received his military training before the age of machine guns; tanks; and airplanes. You will enjoy his insight and interruption of what would be to him; recent history. All three of his books are very good.