"Wargamer's Guides" to the War of the Austrian Succession produced by "Potsdam Flags & Publications". For all members who have more than a passing interest in 18th century warfare, the series of Wargaming Guides produced by "Potsdam Flags & Publications" is a must. Each booklet deals with the uniform details of a specific country which fought in the War of the Austrian Succession, and is simply packed with useful information (much of which - I am told - has never appeared in the English language before). The smaller nations, each with their own separate section, tend to be grouped together in one booklet. The latest offering (numbered as part VIII in a planned 12 part series) deals with the uniforms of the Italian states: Piedmont-Sardinia (Savoy), Genoa, Modena & Naples (Kingdom of the Two Sicilies), and like the previous publications in the series, is presented clearly and concisely. The narrative is liberally spiced with detailed sketches of uniforms, headgear, horse-furniture etc. with most regimental details being laid out under simple headings (things like coat & breeches colour, facings, button type and lace colour etc.) in an easily understood table format. In addition, the narrative details other military aspects (where available) such as: army organisation, regimental strengths, officer insignia, musicians uniforms etc. So far, of the 12 booklets proposed I believe the following have been published: Booklet No. I French Army II British Army III Dutch Army IV Spanish Army V Austrian Army VI Prussian Army VII Swedish & Russian Armies VIII Italian States with work still in preparation for volumes on the Danish & German States' armies. I'm sure the publishers do not consider their project as the most definitive works on the subjects, (they admit themselves that there is a great deal of conflicting information around) but their efforts are praiseworthy, and I for one am amazed at the amount of detail each of the volumes include. My only gripe is that they fail to include anything about regimental flags or standards (much like a car without it's steering wheel) [see below!] but here I think I could be asking a little too much (and we can't have everything, can we?). However, if these booklets are used in conjunction with the Pengel & Hurt range (whose comprehensive booklets deal primarily with the flags & standards of the 7 Years War) I think the average 18th century wargaming "aficionado" can have very little to complain about. I recommend both these series to members whose never seen them before. The Wargaming Guides produced by "Potsdam Flags & Publications" retail at £ 4.50p, 1.50p postage (check with company) from: Potsdam Flags & Publications, 16 Buckminster Close, Oakwood, Derby, DE21 2EA. (Tel 01332 833126). Pengel & Hurt booklets are (I believe) still available, but I'm unsure where from. Kenn, I can't remember if anyone has reviewed the "Potsdam" booklets before, but they are quite brilliant. [see L.W 122] Professionally produced and a pleasure to the eye. I know Pengel & Hurt have been reviewed before, but I thought I'd give them a plug as well. Both ranges are a must for anyone interested in building an 18 century European wargames army. Cheers for now, Steve Turner. [Appreciate your efforts.Kenn] Books for Your Kitbag Uniforms of the Italian States 1740-48 Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #124 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1998 by Solo Wargamers Association. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com