Customer Reviews

JENA AUERSTADT (OLD ED): The Triumph of the Eagle

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Descriptions of the battles of Jena Auerstadt are a dime a dozen, and this translation from the original French adds little that is new.

This volume does stand out because of the excellent color plates with superb uniform detail that is available nowhere else unless you read German and can afford the mightilly expensive volumes by Kling. The reproduction of not only the uniforms by regiment, but the unit colors as well make this volume unique (Hans Bleckwenn was scheduled to cover this material, but he died before he could complete his study.)

The plates of French uniforms are hardly unique, however, they are useful and well done and have the somewhat unique status of being all in one volume (the Elting volumes are excellent, but they do not present a full homogeneous picture of a regiment.)

The plates by Jack Girbal are an additional treat.

The First Empire was at its height during the Jena-Auerstadt campaign of 1806. The campaign was a classic of Napoleonic tactics, as Marshal Davout held one German army at bay while Napoleon concentrated his forces to defeat the main one.

A complete history of the Napoleonic campaign, featuring alot of magnificent color plates illustrating all of the campaigns, with particular emphasis on the uniforms of the military units and personalities of the Empire.

The magnificent color illustrations by Andre Jouineau make this book a extensive use for any modeller or historians, also show with hundreds of additional color sketches of headgear, buttons, equipment, insignia and alternate garments; includes navy, infantry,how widely most armies of the time have different uniforms. Readers of F.-G. Hourtouille's acclaimed BORODINO will find the same extraordinary detail in this study of Napoleon's 1806 campaign.The evolution of the battle is described with the aid of numerous new color maps.

144 pages, heavily illustrated in color

The Jena/Auerstadt Campaign was the only example during the entire period of the Napoleonic Wars where a defeated army was pursued and hunted down to its near-complete destruction. In just six weeks of fighting, marching, and maneuvering, the tough, veteran Grande Armee, led by its terrible Emperor, completely destroyed the vaunted Prussian Army which had inherited the traditions of the Great Frederick. Except for units in East Prussia, that army was gone.

Dr. Hourtoulle has methodically told that story, and profusely illustrated it, in this visual treat of a book that is one of the most enjoyable just to look at in my Napleonic library. Both sides are equally represented, and there are reproductions of the superb Girbal plates that vividly punctuate and illustrate the straightforward narrative.

Units, bands, colors, artillery pieces and equipment, all are illustrated in this superb volume. Orders of battle and small biographies, service records, and daata on individuals in the Grande Armee are all throught the narrative, as well as plenty of personality protraits.

What we have been given is a verbal and eye-pleasing treat-all we have to do is take it off the shelf and use it. Highly recommended.

I found this book difficult to read. The narrative does not flow smoothly and the structure is awkward (it is a translation). However, the splendid illustrations more than make up for that. In addition to contemporary prints, numerous color uniform plates are provided. Even if you're not into painting miniatures, it is a joy to browse these plates. The production quality of the book is superb. For the illustrations alone, I recommend this book.

I do not know how difficult it is to find a proper editor these days, but it is clear that this English version of the book was not translated by one born to speak the language. With that out of the way, This book offers rich uniform plates and maps depicting the twin victories over Prussia by Napoleon. Not exactly in-depth, it does claim title to being one of the few dedicated volumes on these battles.

The photos and illustrations are great; however, the writing (i.e. translation from French) is very, very poor. It looks like a high school student wrote it for his 10th grade report on the battle. Also, the outlay of the Army Order of Battle's design is difficult to decyfer; I have other books from this series and they are equally written.

The reforms of the Prussian army did away with the individual regimental uniform distinctions that had been characteristic since Frederick the Great. I eagerly purchased this work for its many illustrations, as I have been unable to find precise details even in Kling. Unfortunately the illustrations are not very accurate. Problems can be detected even by a novice, simply by noting that the facings of the regiment and its grenadier company are at times depicted with two different colors! Hopefully, the rest of the book is better...