The titles below are just a few of those available, and are listed in order of importance. With the exception of Margerand, most are either in print on not that difficult to find.
Napoleon et ses soldats (2 volumes) by Paul Willing (Collections du Musee de l'Armee, Paris, 1986). Crammed with photographs of items in the Museum collection -- the first book I always retrieve.
L'armee francaise, color plates with text by Lucien Rousselot (no date). A series of color uniform plates with detailed scale drawings of insignia and equipment. An absolutely essential reference. The accompanying text is available in both French and English.
Aigles et shakos du premier empire by Christian Blondieau (Argout, Paris, no date). An excellent book on shako plates and shakos, with many photos.
La garde imperiale by Lucien Fallou (Olmes, Krefeld, 1975). A reprint of the 1901 edition, an important source for the Imperial Guard.
Armes blanches militaires francaises by Christian Aries (no date). A series of folios with superb drawings of swords -- the best reference for edged weapons.
Les coiffures de l'armee francaise by Margerand, Leroy (Paris, 1905). Long out of print, but the best single reference on French military headgear.
Equipements militaires drawings by Michel Petard (no date). Excellent drawings of belts, cartridge boxes, belt plates, etc.
The British OSPREY series of books, currently in print, has excellent color plates of uniforms, and often good photos of original pieces.
About the author:
Sheperd Paine has been collecting militaria of the Napoleonic era for more than twenty years. He is a Director of the Napoleonic Society of America, a Fellow of the International Napoleonic Society, and a Fellow of the Company of Military Historians. Perhaps better known as an expert on military miniatures than as a collector, Paine has written four books on building models and dioramas.
Back to Table of Contents -- Napoleon #5
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