The Army of Gustavus Adolphus (2): Cavalry (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Richard Brzezinski (Author), Richard Hook (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: October 31, 2006

Much of the fame of Gustavus Adolphus has founded upon his cavalry. He is said to have reversed the stagnation of European cavalry warfare, giving it back fluidity and vigour. Like much 'Gustavus mythology', however, the truth may well be quite different. Richard Brzezinski explores the truth behind the myth, in an attempt to find the real story of Gustavus's cavarly. Their organization, arms, armour, tactics and uniforms are examined in a text accompanied by many illustrations, including eight fine full page colour plates by Richard Hook.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Richard Brzezinski is a young historian and a leading expert on the military history of central and Eastern Europe, greatly admired for his primary research and painstaking work in archives in Sweden, Germany and Poland. He has previously written titles on Polish Armies 1569-1696 and the army of Gustavus Adolphus in Osprey's Men-at Arms series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855323508
• ISBN-13: 978-1855323506
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #753,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > History > Europe > Sweden

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An accurate and objective viewpoint of the army of GA., June 4, 1998

By 

Daniel Boyden ([e-mail]) (Thousand Oaks California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Army of Gustavus Adolphus (2): Cavalry (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

The army of Gustavus Adolphus is an objectively written book of Gustavus' cavalry. I mean objective because many of the long time myths of Adolphus are dispelled. What is said about him is merely factual data and has nothing to do with the stories typically associated with him. It fairly shows the quality of his native Swedish and Finnish regiments. The book discusses the causes of Gustavus' radical new cavalry types were as a result of a lack of money not a flair of genius. While many lovers of Gustavus Adolphus may be upset at the authors lack of respect for Adolphus' generalship the factual information cannot be denied.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A concise, scholarly review of 17th Century Swedish cavalry, November 21, 2004

By 

Richard J. Brzostek (New England, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Army of Gustavus Adolphus (2): Cavalry (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

"The Army of Gustavus Adolphus (2): Cavalry" by Richard Brzezinski follows the same general format of the other Men-at-Arms volumes, by concisely discussing a military topic, in this case, the Swedish cavalry of Gustavus Adolphus in the early 1600s. One distinction between this book and others in the series is that the author presents some non-standard viewpoints and backs them up with references. This being the case, this book is more scholarly than many others in the Men-at-Arms series.

As you may expect from the Men-at-Arms books, there are many photographs, diagrams, and illustrations that bring an image to this time in history. The weapons, equipment, clothing, and armor of the various types of cavalry are discussed. Furthermore, the book explains that the cavalry itself was composed of more than just Swedes, as there were also a number of German mercenaries, Finns, and a small number of British mercenaries. Color illustrations of various cavalry cornets (banners) are also provided.

"The Army of Gustavus Adolphus (2): Cavalry" is a great reference for those wanting to learn about the Swedish cavalry of the 1600s. The author attempts to set straight some possible misconceptions other historians attribute to the cavalry of Adolphus, which is not an easy task for 48 page book. As Gustavus Adolphus was an influential figure in military history, this book is worth reading for those interested in 17th century military.