Customer Reviews

INSTRUMENT OF WAR: The Austrian Army in the Seven Years War

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This book by Christopher Duffy proves to be one of the most comprehensive account of the Army of Maria Theresa during the Seven Years War ever written. The book is written with clarity despite of the fact that its packed with information. Its pretty amazing that the book is so detailed but yet so readable. (I should note that having a good background on this time period would be very helpful.) The analyical insightfulness of Mr. Duffy's writing proves to be one of the strong points of this book.

The book covers all aspects of this army. The leadership and officer corps as well its privates and non-commission personal. There is an interesting chapter where the author goes from province to province of the Hapsburg Empire, summarizing its ethnic make-up and its military representation. It really does give a clearer understanding of the people who make up this multi-national army that serves the Hapsburg so well during that war. The coverage also extends well into all the branches, infantry, artillery, cavalry, support units as well as Croats who get a chapter of their own. Background materials are given, there are maps and 12 pages of tidbits appendix information which proves to be quite useful.

It should be noted that this book do not relate much about the Seven Years War. Its a book on the Austrian Army's internal structures during that war. Thus you may have to wait until Mr. Duffy's second volume where it suppose to show the Austrian army in action during that war.

I would say that the only major weakness I could easily spot about this book was that it could have used more illustrations, both black and white and color. Also, this book wasn't written for novice reader of the subject. If you don't know who Maria Theresa was or what years the Seven Years War took place, I would recommend looking for an introductory book on the subject before moving up. (Like one of them Osprey books for example.)

This book without a doubt, belong to the library of any one who have any great interest in this subject matter. Its easily one of the best books on the subject and I would say that its a mandatory reading material for any person who wish to gain a greater insight in how European army functions and operated during the mid-18th century. Do read it and learn!

A treasure trove of information in regards to the Austrian army of the Seven Years war. Absolutely packed with information in regards to its organization. Much superior to the author's work on the Prussian army of Freerick the Great

As one would expect from this author, this is a first class, all-encompassing study of the structure and character of the army of Empress Maria-Theresa, perhaps Austria's greatest monarch, and the most redoubtable opponent of Frederick the Great. Duffy, like myself,has a real enthusiasm and deep interest in this era, and subject, and the author's profound knowledge shines through on every page. I agree with an earlier reviewer that more illustrations, including color, would have been warranted,but I am glad that this book was even published. I just hope that the follow up volume, covering the actions of this army in the Seven Years War, is eventually produced.

A very profound study of the development and tactics of the Austrian Army during the Seven Years War. A 'must have' for all interested in the 18th century war history.