American Civil War Zouaves (Elite) [Paperback]

Robin Smith (Author), Bill Younghusband (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: May 15, 1996

Among the mass of units formed in the early months of the American Civil War (1861-1865) were several of the colourful Zouave units. Inspired by the French colonial units raised in North Africa with their distinctive uniforms and reputation as hard fighters, units with names as colourful as their uniforms began to appear. In this volume Robin Smith details the uniforms and battles of these flamboyant units. Bill Younghusband is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most popular illustrators of 18th and 19th century military subjects, and has already contributed to a number of Osprey titles.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Robin Smith has been fascinated by the American Civil War since childhood. A freelancer living in London, he is a dedicated American Civil War re-enactor and often travels to the US to take part in events with the recreated 5th New York Duryées Zouaves. He is also a member of the 55th Virginia, Britain's finest American Civil War re-enactment group.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855325713
• ISBN-13: 978-1855325715
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,774,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THE ZOUAVE CRAZE, October 30, 2000

By 

Eduardo J. Tellez A (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Civil War Zouaves (Elite) (Paperback)

The Zouaves was one of the most renowned fighting regiments of the American Civil War. Their colorful Zouave uniform, precise maneuvers, effectiveness in combat and steady bearing under fire, won them universal respect and recognition.Inspired by the French colonial units raised in North Africa with their distinctive uniforms and reputation as hard fighters, units with names as colourful as their uniforms began to appear. In this book writed by a member of the 55th Virginia, Britain's finest American Civil War re-enactment group, you can traced the origins of this regiment call the heroes of many a hardfought battle. 12 full color plates from Bill Younghusband and many black and white photos, this book is for any one interest in this great regiment of the civil war

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A good start but hardly a difinative source., November 5, 2009

By 

AP Coen (Omaha NE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Civil War Zouaves (Elite) (Paperback)

-If your interest in zouaves is in painting and wargamming or just looking for a good introduction to the subject, then Osprey gives you good pictures and a general overview of ACW zouaves. From a more thorough researcher or historian's point of view, this book is worth skipping.
-First off, the book is written and publish in the UK. I don't doubt their passion for the subject but it does exclude the possibility of using any good first hand sources. They do use some published accounts from Civil War veterans, but they have no access to the unpublished manuscripts, period newspapers and other materials archived across the US in numerous city, county and state historical archive. To the American writer, these are the bread and butter of good, solid regimental and unit research.
-Secondly the, the vast majority of the units discussed are from New York. They did recruit the loins share, they were not the whole show. They have some sections that talk about Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Louisiana but most other states only receive a few paragraphs. Most western states are virtually ignored with only Ohio Indiana and Illinois receive any mention. The Union had the majority of Zouaves but the secesh is givin little attention too, with only Louisiana and South Carolina being covered.
-Finally, and to most this would only be a minor thing but, some units are mentioned having a brown variant of a traditionally blue uniform but this is just bad research. A few units did have a brown jacket but to claim that others did by looking at a faded jacket with no documentation is bad. Spill a little bleach on a pair of blue jean and they turn out brown. 150 year old wool will fade just the same. The point is, if they make these type of little mistakes what other mistake am I not catching?

In short, its an OK book but there are far better. If your only interest is a little back ground information and some good pictures, buy this book. If you want to learn about a particular unit or get more than a few watered down battle descriptions then please save your money.