Customer Reviews

The Jacobite Rebellions 1689-1745 (Men-at-Arms)

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

 

 

A very nice little volume enhanced to no end by absolutely brilliant colour plates.

The meat of this book is the text, illustrated almost completely with contemporary paintings and etchings made during the period covered by the book. The first few pages are dedicated to a detailed chronology of the rebellions, followed by a description of the Jacobite forces (with info on the cause itself, the makeup of Highland society, weapons in use at the time (with photos of museum artifacts to support this info), and a brief order of battle of one Jacobite force that took to the field in this period), a look at the Government forces (focussing on the political makeup of the United Kingdom at this time, the organization of the Army, armament in use, and a survey of Regiments that saw action at this time). A final section on uniforms is well done, and augmented by the final section on captions to the colour plates.

The book is obviously only a brief overview, but the colour plates go far in bringing the subject to life - much further than most other treatments of this subject that rely on contemporary art, or simply text, to describe the subject. There is no deeper analysis of such things as rank structure of the British Army, feudal law, Highland recipes etc. just a nice concise history and glimpse at how the combatants dressed and were equipped.

Great starting point, and Embleton's artwork alone is worth the price - very clear, almost photo realistic depictions of soldiers of both sides, in realistic yet not overpowering settings. Probably the best faces of any of the many talented artists in Osprey's stable. The difficulties of rendering tartan cloth have also been well overcome.

Can't think of a single improvement to suggest for a book with the obviously limited intended scope of this one.

This men-at-arms title examines the origins, appearance, and weapons of the soldiers that fought on both sides of the Jacobite Wars-a series of conflicts that pitted England against the supporters of the desposed House of Stuart, most notably the Highland Clans.

The first sixteen pages of this book are a detailed chronology of the Jacobite Wars, with their background and aftermath, 1644-1788. Next the origins and culture of the Jacobite Highlanders are described, along with their weapons and battle tactics. A useful list of the various clan regiments that took part in the campaigns is included. Following this is a similar section of the British Armies participating in the War, again including a list of important regiments and companies. Lastly, the uniforms of both sides are briefly discussed, though this section is but a simple introduction, especially where the Highlanders are concerned.

As is often the case with Osprey books, the color plates are one of the most rewarding sections of this book, and their commentary is one of the most useful. Though they depict some British soldiers (and also a Scots-allied Spanish infantryman), they naturally focus largely on the Highlanders. The first plate is particularly useful for its depiction of typical Highland warriors from the 17th Century. The book also includes several black-and-white photos and numerous contemporary images of these soldiers.

In short, this is a fine introduction to the Classic 18th Century Highlanders and the lost cause they fought and died for.

There are 2 unfair reviews which have nothing to do with this book.
This book by experienced military writer Michael Barthorp is highly readable. Whilst Embleton's artwork can vary now and then, I think that the illustrations here are probably Embleton's best work ever.

It is considerably easier to visualize what happened at the Battle of Culloden if you have information on what was worn by the participants. The differences between the well-uniformed and armed English and the highly individualized Scottish clans foretell the eventual outcome. The illustrations are copious, clear and fascinating. There is even a fine explanation of exactly how a Scottish kilt is put on - to do it the traditional way requires the wearer to lie on the ground! Even from a strictly aesthetic vantage point, the variety, color and design of the uniforms and clan garb are revealed to be as fantastic and splendid as anything in the Bird Kingdom. The illustrations are worth repeated visits to check on details missed the first couple of times around!

Great artwork, very interesting accounts of battles etc... A good deal, especially considering the price.

I would like to be able to review this, but I never did receive the correct book. After receiving the incorrect item, I reordered the original, only to receive the same incorrect book. I think they must have their numbers mixed up.

There seems to be something wrong with the coding of this item in their system, because they've sent me the wrong item twice - the same wrong item each time. Instead of the Jacobite Rebellions 1689-1745, they've sent the British Army at War 1914-1918.