By Simon Millar, Illustrated by Adam Hook

The good folks at Osprey Publishing were kind enough to send me the newest of their publications pertaining to the Seven Years War 'his latest in their Campaign series is entitled Kolin 1757 Frederick the cleat's First Defeat As with others in the Campaign series, this large format paperback is lavishly sprinkled with illustrations, both in color and in black and white, and loaded with valuable information on the Hoops. the commanders. the political and strategic background, and, of course, the battle itself.

Austrophiles should he especially delighted the tact that this initial foray into Frederick's battles should have his first defeat as its subject matter. This comes as a breath of fresh air in that it would have been too tempting to start the series with Leuthen or Rossbach, Frederick's two greatest victories. (Don't get me wrong; I yearn to read about both of those battles in future Osprey releases.) By concentrating on this significant Austrian victory, an appropriate emphasis is placed on the significant contributions of Maria Theresa's army and leaders to the art of war.

The book is 96 pages long and is packed full of valuable information, not only about Kolin but also the battle of Prague and Frederick's subsequent retreat after Kolin. It also continues through to Frederick's unfair dismissal of his own brother from active command. Contemporary illustrations of the battle, leaders, and troops abound, as do maps of the battle that provide interesting details of various phases of the engagement.

It also contains a critique of Frederick's tactics and concludes with a description and images of the battlefield as it appears today. For those members who were fortunate enough to accompany Chris Duffy on his first Frederick the Great tour, these images should look familiar.

This fine book is available at most better hobby and book stores for $18.95. It is sure to become a standard item in every Seven Years War enthusiast's library.

Osprey's web site is: www.ospreypublishing.com.

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