What the Critics Say

by Lionel Leventhal

Napoleon's Elite Cavalry

'Occasionally whilst reviewing books I came across one which is truly outstanding, and without doubt this is one of those books ... a lavish presentation ... superbly illustrated ... the standard of illustration can only be described as brilliant ... this is a quality publication, from the glossy full coloour slip to the high quality matt finish art paper used throughout, this book oozes quality. £ 40 may seem to be a lot of money, but for a publication of this quality it's a small price to pay ... if you have any interest in the Napoleonic period ... it is inconceivable for you not to have a copy of this hook ... Considering the material contained within it, it is solid reference material making it a standard reference book and a pleasure to own and I have no doubt that over the years it will appreciate considerably in value.' - Military Modelcrqft Internalional.

'Once in a while a book is produced that surpasses anything previously published that year. If there was to be a Book of the Year, I am confident in saying that this book would be it! ... Sumptuous ... It contains 208 pa-cs that simply take your breath away. Rousselot is a name very familiar to most modellers and collectors, for not only are his paintings beautiful to just admire, they are accurate too - every one is thoroughly researched before completion. Here, between the covers of this fabulous book, are 91 - yes, 91 - of Rousselot's paintings. Each plate has brief accompanying text giving a little extra explanation to the uniform shown, adding to the importance of this work. Published by Greenhill Book at £ 40, it is well worth every penny. Beautifully produced with wonderful contents, this book is a pure piece of military history. It Simply Must not be missed. I really cannot emphasize enough just how much quality the acquisition of this book (or work of art) will add to any library. It is of such important value to military history that future publications will find it hard to follow. But I am sure they will try - at least, I hope Greenhill Books does. More, more, more - please!' - Toy Soldier.

'This superb 208 page, large format book captures the spirit of the Imperial Guard cavalry and their role in Napoleon's battles ... It is difficult not to wax lyrical about this beautifully presented book that brings together, for the very first time, 91 colour plates by the celebrated French artist Lucien Rousselot.

Brilliantly executed and the result of years of careful research by the leading French exponent of the history of uniforms from primary sources, these paintings are reproduced on art paper and are the very best of their type and superb examples of military art.

Accompanying text by Edward Ryan provides information on the regiments' uniforms, commanders and hard fought battles, while an introduction charts the origins and development of the Guard cavalry ... Quite simply, this book is superb and is a beautiful and valuable addition to any military library.' - Stuart Asquith in Military, Modelling.

Other Books

'This highly iconoclastic work ... He does not attempt to deny the magnitude of French military achievement during the 1790s: on land at least, they took on four of the finest military machines in the world and beat them. But how and why'? If Paddy Griffith is right - and he makes a clear, often ebullient case for his corner - then the emphasis Of much of the scholarship of the past twenty-five years (anglophone as well as French) has been misplaced, since Revolutionary propaganda counted for little ... He is quite scathing in his view of contemporary propagandists and of those historians who have followed them down the ideological road.' - French History (OUP) reviewing The Art of War of Revolutionary France by Paddy Griffith.

'It is an absolute must for all serious students of the Napoleonic conflict ... it is a volume that has stood the test of time, with a text as fresh today as when it was first penned.' - John S. White in Waterloo Journal reviewing Wellington at Waterloo by Jac Weller.

'Here we are not treated to mere facts, but to a complete analysis of the man and his methods - the thoughtful and sensitive treatment of the material renders the articles as fresh and relevant as when first written. Any student of the period who respects Weller's work cannot consider their collection complete without the addition of this volume.' - John S. White in Waterloo Journal reviewing On Wellington - The Duke and his Art of War by Jac Weller, edited by Andrew Uffindell.

'Though untrained as a historian, Weller had a good eye for character and topography, and did not write about a battlefield he had not walked. His famous trilogy on Wellington (reprinted by Greenhill, 1991-3) is justifiably acknowledged as masterful, primarily for its original interpretation of the duke's decision-making process. A just wanted them," Weller said of his readers, "to know what the Duke knew at some particular time." The book is a tribute to Weller, a gregarious man Uffindell respects and depicts as larger than life in a warm introduction.' - The International History Review reviewing On Wellington - The Duke and his Art ofWar by Jac Weller, edited by Andrew Uffindell.

'Ian V. Hogg has provided a comprehensive. highly detailed study of the Vweapons, as well as the rest of' Nazi Germany's secret weapon program, in German Secret Weapons of the Second World War (Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA, 1999, $34.95). Hogg, one of the world's most respected authorities on military weaponry, displays a stunning wealth of technical knowledge, but he clothes his expertise in a brisk and understandable narrative ... World War 11 buffs with a technological bent will find Hogg's book a gem, filled with insight and fascinating information.' - World War II (USA) reviewing German Secret Weapons of World War II by Ian V. Hogg.

'The information in this book is, without a doubt, the latest word on the subject and is certainly the best researched.' The U-Boat Archive reviewing German U-Boat Losses during World War II by Axel Niestle.

'A book of great interest ... a fascinating insight into life in the ranks under campaign conditions ... harrowing reading ... An illuminating and thoroughly good read.' - Revival reviewing Marching to the Drums by Ian Knight.

'This is a super book, which will be read with great pleasure - and with pride - by every Briton.' - The War Correspondent: The Journal of thr Crimean War Research Society reviewing Marching to the Drum by Ian Knight.

'There is no doubt that this is a fundamental reference book for the researcher, historian, or modeller who maintains a deep interest in World War II German military affairs ... when YOU first start examining it you become aware of its detailed and comprehensive nature: it is without doubt a truly monumental study ... essential to the serious reader.' - Military Modelling reviewing The German Order of Battle: Panzers and Artillery in World War Il by George F. Nafziger.

'This is one of those books that is valuable when you are shopping around for a gun or wish to acquaint yourself with what is new.' - Gun Mart reviewing Gun Digest 2000.

'A wealth of information and detail contained within the many photographs ... both these books arc reasonably priced and must rate as first class reference material for anyone who maintains an interest in the American soldier, either or both would be a worthwhile purchase.' - Gun Mart reviewing Uncle Sam's Little Wars by John P. Langellier and Custer and his Commands by Kurt Hamilton Cox (both books in the G. I. Series).

'A very inspirational book for Air Wargamers. It is also an excellent read in itself - thoroughly recommended.' -Miniature Wargaines reviewing Allied Fighter Aces of World War Il by Mike Spick.

'A truly massive work of great detail ... marvellous ... that it is an excellent addition to Napoleonic literature is in no doubt, and it is a Must for all Students of Napoleonic military history, wargamers and enthusiasts. Highly recommended.' - Miniature Wargames reviewing The Greenhill Napoleonic Wars Data Book by Digby Smith.

'An extensive compendium ... the most authoritative account of Axis submarine successes both in its scope and breadth of detail ... the book is a must, indeed, often a logical starting point, for any research dealing with WWII Axis submarines.' - The Newsletter of the International Intelligence History Study Group reviewing Axis Submarine Successes of World War II by Jurgen Rohwer.

'This unique book ... In the Pursuit Of' hard data, scholars have long found Jurgen Rohwer's meticulous research indispensable. Now appearing in greater refinement of detail than ever before, the book is especially welcome ... This unrivalled compilation ... Clearly organized and indexed, this comprehensive reference work is a gem Of positivist scholarship.' - The International History Review reviewing Axis Submarine Successes oj' World War II by Jurgen Rohwer.

'The illustrations alone make this an ideal book for model makers. ... Such it comprehensive study comes at a high price, but for the money You get a very detailed, single-volurne reference source which represents good value. Compare its price with two or three plastic or one resin kit to put it into context.' Military Modelling reviewing Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles by R. P. Hunnicutt (Presidio Press).


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