Weapons & Equipment of the Napoleonic Wars

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Summary: Weapons & Equipment of the Napoleanic Wars
Review: I first found this book in the 1980's and it is still an EXCELLENT source for the subject. As an historical reenactor, collector, historical artist and researcher, I rely on books of this caliber to find just the information I need. Even if you are a novice in the field of Napoleanics, this tome makes the study of this subject a pleasure. Not TOO technical, but IN DEPTH enough for the advanced student. When you read Haythornthwaite's books YOU ARE THERE !

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Summary: Good book just for eqpt
Review: Ok, I rated it 3 stars. This because the book, very good about the eqpt, fail a little about how it was used, I mean tactics, and is not so comprehensive. Specially the cavalry and infantry subjects, lot of things to add. And there is some misquotations, one of them: when the cavalry `charges home' (attack) it runs from behind the enemy towards his own line, not the contrary.
Even so a good choice for begginers.

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Summary: So much, in so little.
Review: Reading a book about the equipment of the Napoleonic Wars could potentially be quite boring. Imagine endless explantions of the weight of a musketball or the length of a bayonette. Haythornthwaite however creates a book which is easy to read, short, interesting, and yet full of detailed information about the arms and equipment of the Napoleonic Wars. Haythornthwaite has once again excelled at conveying a large ammount of information in a concise book. As with his other works his lack of description, anecdotes, or opinion is countered by the artwork. Coupled together the reader will get the hard facts of Haythornthwaite while the artwork will act as his description. This is one of the many "must" have's. The book will give those interested in the subject of Napoleonic warfare an idea of how and why they fought the way they did.

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Summary: FULL DETAILS OF THE WEAPONRY AND EQUIPMENT
Review: The text of this book was initially published in 1979. For this new edition, an extended bibliography and new illustrations were added. This is an oversized, hardcover work that provides a nice introduction to infantry, cavalry, and artillery weapons and tactics. Haythornthwaite also covers engineers, staff and supplies, uniforms and equipment, and living conditions. Useful appendices, a bibliography, glossary, and index round out this book. This short primer on the weaponry and battle accessories of the period remains an ideal source for historians, re-enactors, modellers, and wargamers.

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Summary: Very good source book for eqpt and tactical use
Review: Though originally published in 1979, the 1996 edition reviewed here is a welcome addition to any reader's library. Amply interspersed with diagrams and illustrations, the book does also offer good detail on the types of weapons, including comments on their effectiveness in battle. The sections covering Infantry and Cavalry do not just discuss their respective weaponry; the tactics of each arm on the battlefield are also discussed in clear and concise terms. Artillery is described in like manner, allowing any reader unfamiliar with Napoleonic tactics (and wishing to learn about them) to establish a solid foundation of understanding with this book. Highly recommended for all readers, novices and historians alike.