1995 Pickelhaube Press. 62 pages
If, as it has been said, that the popularity of British Colonial miniature wargames served as the inspiration to create the Franco-Prussian sub-genre, then certainly Franco-Prussian spawned an interest in other wars of that era. Of all the conflicts that took place involving the "Big Three" of France, Austria and Prussia, none has evoked so little interest as the Schleswig-Holstein War of 1864.
Which is a pity, because it is one of the most fascinating accounts of how a strictly second-rate power like Denmark dared to stand up politically to the entire German Confederation, and militarily to Austria, Prussia, Hanover and Saxony.
Nigel Smith has combined the political background with the military details into a highly readable account of this struggle. This booklet is the company's two earlier booklets combined into one with some additional information.The complete uniforms of the chief protagonists are covered followed by a general course of the war, with orders of battle, an account of the naval engagements and uniform details right down to the drum-head rims.
Unfortunately, aside for the Battle of Duppel, there is hardly any orders of battle for any of the engagements and no battle maps. However, there is a complete order of battle for both sides. The map of the theatre of war included is lacking in certain details, like the location of the more important fortifications, so a good topographical map on hand while one reads is recommended.
The print quality, while occasionally irregular, was never illegible. American distributor Andrew Preziosi informs me that Picklehaube Press is in the process of purchasing new production equipment, so this small deficiency should become a thing of the past.
If you can find back issues of Practical Wargamer on the war, I don't think this will provide that much new information.
However, it is still a good source. 7 out of 10 if you game either Prussians or Austrians in this period. 8 out of 10 if you are interested in expanding into this period.
Copies are available from Andrew Prezoizi (11017 SW 125th Ave., Miami, FL 33186). Price $16.00
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© Copyright 1997 by Keith Frye
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