Dave Hollins has sent me the following two reviews of Italian publications now being stocked by Caliver Books. L'Esercito Austriaco 1805/15: Fanteria (Austrian Army 1805/15 - Infantry) 60pp inc. 8 colour plates. Italian text with English translation. First published in 1987. Price & 12.50.

The Italian De Bello' series is similar to Osprey Men-At-Arms booklets, albeit 60pp instead of 48. However, in this particular booklet there the resemblance ends. It makes a refreshing change in this type of book to see that the research on Austria has been done properly Schematis, Wrede, Krieg, Dolleczek, Service Regulations etc. - instead of an Ottenfeld/Rothenberg rehash beloved of too many others. The result is a first-class guide to the uniforms, regimental titles, organisation of Line, Grenadier (including Battalion titles!) and Jaeger units, as well as some of the less well-known formations, including Grenzers, Insurrection, Italian Light and Cordon troops.

The plates are in a slightly unusual style, as the figures are in activity poses and the colours are a little loud. Only a few other prints, but most are rarer contemporary ones or Ottenfeld. Also included are photographs and specifications of the main infantry weapons.

There are very few errors and then mostly because of the need to generalise in a small booklet. Unfortunately there is not space for much background information. Although twice the price of an Osprey, it is much better value for the subject matter, especially if you already have Rothenberg. Highly recommended. Others in the series cover Naples and Russia, and one on Austrian Landwehr/ Freiwillige is promised.

Rivista Militaire: Album delle Uniformi No.1 (1985) & Gli Ultimi Soldati del Sacro Romano Impero (1987). This Italian publisher in conjunction with EMPA is publishing quite a lot of old plates in small colour booklets of between 16 and 24 plates with no supporting text other than captions. The first of these two Austrian booklets features 17 Ottenfeld plates, covering the 19th century, of which eight are Napoleonic and all familiar from Osprey etc. The second, whose title is 'The Last Troops of the Holy Roman Empire' comprises 24 contemporary plates by Kininger from 1798, some of which are in black & white in Rothenberg. Although the colour resolution is not too good, these are rarely seen and a valuable source of material on the uniforms at the turn of the century. I believe they are expensive (?15,000 Lire), but the 1798 is a must for uniform enthusiasts. (DaveHollins)

Wellington in India is the third book in the trilogy by Jac Weller, published by Greenhill, price 19.50. This readable volume traces Wellington's career in India from his arrival in February 1797 until his return to England in September 1805, a longer period abroad than when he was in the Peninsula. The Wellesleys (Arthur, Richard and Henry) changed India, and it is evident that India changed them. Arthur certainly learnt his trade when in that country. While Colonel of the 33rd Foot he maintained the health and efficiency of the regiment, and learnt how to handle infantry.

The campaigns in India taught him how to command mixed forces of English and Indian troops; infantry, cavalry and artillery. Here he learnt the value of an effective transport service, and appreciated the importance of dealing fairly and honestly with civilians, so as to ensure a continuous flow of goods and services. These were all skills that would stand him in good stead in the Peninsula. The development of his professional skills extended to diplomacy in dealing with native Princes or stubborn East India Company officials. Jac Weller's book is an in-depth study of an important period of Wellington's life. This was the period in which the great man learnt his trade. As Weller states: 'Wellesley learned his trade in India; he was clever enough later to adapt his training to Europe'.

To read and inwardly digest this book will explain Wellington's later successes in Spain and Portugal. To understand Wellington in India is to understand Wellington the soldier, diplomat and man. This book is commended reading.

Ian Fletcher has added to his studies of the British Guards with the publication of Gentlemen's Sons, by himself and Ron Poulter (Spellmount, price 25.00). The title comes from the nickname given to the First Division in the Peninsula, because of the predominance of titled officers and sons of the landed gentry amongst the Guards regiments. This is the story of the three regiments of Foot Guards from the Corunna campaign, through the Peninsula, to Waterloo. The Guards' involvement is set in the context of the campaign in general, and includes details of campaign life and clothing, with the emphasis on the officers of the regiments. The book is worth buying just for the generous helping of illustrations, from maps of the campaigns, prints of battles, portraits of officers, still photographs from films that have included the portrayal of Guards Officers, and colour drawings of the Guards on campaign by Ron Poulter.

Much has been written about Napoleon's Imperial Guard. It is interesting to read of the smaller (but just as brave and loyal) force of British Foot Guards. This is probably one of Spellmount's finer books to date. Highly recommended.

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