Reviewing Stand

Maps of the Napoleonic Wars

by B. Weeks

The Haas Press has recently released two sets of large format reprints of The Battle Maps prepared by W. and A.K. Johnston for inclusion in the series of books published by William Blackwood and Sons after the turn of the century. Seriff 1 is 10 maps, covers 1813 from Lutzen to Leipzig and retails for $21.95.

Series 2 is 5 maps covering the 1807 carnpaign in Poland and retails for $9.95. The reprints are well done on slick heavy paper and are approximately (12" x 16") in size and ideal for framing. Each map concerns itself with the positions of the troops on the battlefield -- usually at the start of the action, and the various forces and arms are shown by different colors and symbols.

Although excellent decoration items these maps are not completely satisfactory for gaining a good grasp of the terrain for use in reproducing table top battles. The ground scale is in both "military steps" and "English Miles" neither of which is easily translatable into anything. Secondly, there is no internal scale given so it is difficult or impossible to judge either the steepness or relative height of points on the battlefield. Another annoying problem is that the units depicted are not shown in convenient battalion and squadron units, but rather as indeterminate sized commands which can be either Brigades, Divisions or Corps. Obviously the map makers of yesteryear had no respect for the future needs of wargamers.

It must be said though that the second set is very nicely colour shaded in brown tones for the contours and that the resolution of detail is good to excellent throughout. The price tag, considering the number of maps makes them a very good bargain when compared to the outrageous prices now being asked for most uniform plates or other battle prints. Available from The Armoury, 727 W. Johnson St., Raleigh, NC 27603.

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